INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Labour Standards

Brian Iddon: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the steps his Department is taking to improve the treatment of workers in developing countries.

Hilary Benn: Implementation of proper labour standards can play an important part in reducing poverty. DFID is supporting a range of activities to improve the treatment of workers in developing countries, including the elimination of child labour and trafficking for forced labour. Our support is primarily given through the International Labour Organisation. But we also support the work of non-governmental organisations, trade unions and business, for example through the Ethical Trading Initiative.

Kashmir Earthquake

Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the UK's relief effort following the Kashmir earthquake.

Hilary Benn: To date, we have allocated £33 million for the immediate relief effort. We are prepared to do more to help ensure the survival of the affected population through the forthcoming winter months. Our immediate assistance has included search and rescue, provision of priority relief materials, funding of air transport including helicopters and support to the United Nations, Red Cross and non-governmental organisations. In addition the European Commission has pledged €93.6 million for relief and reconstruction. The UK's share of this is £11 million.
	I will continue to update the House of the details on what we are doing through our regular Situation Reports. These are also available to the public on the DFID website at: www.dfid.gov.uk.

Kashmir Earthquake

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the urgent unmet humanitarian need in Kashmir following the earthquake.

Hilary Benn: The situation remains critical. More and continuing assistance is needed. The United Nations has developed a priority plan targeting assistance to an estimated 200,000 individuals in the high valleys, as well as 150,000 people expected to settle in both spontaneous and planned camps. The focus of the plan is an emergency shelter programme, medical evacuations, pre-positioning of food assistance for 700,000 and the maintenance of mobile health units and vaccination services. Additionally, site planning and construction of 30 camps, repair of vital damaged water supply systems and installation of latrines, establishment of temporary schools, and provision of heating and cooking supplies for 150,000 in camps.

World Trade Organisation

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the interests of developing nations are taken into account in the current World Trade Organisation negotiations.

Gareth Thomas: Working with DTI and other Government Departments, and in line with the aims and objectives set out in the 2004 Trade and Investment White Paper, we are actively pursuing an outcome to the WTO talks which delivers real development gains. DFID works with the poorest group of developing countries to ensure their views are represented in the WTO by providing technical assistance and policy research, and through direct engagement with Least Developed Countries.

World Trade Organisation

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps the Government are taking during its presidency of the EU to encourage other EU countries to support a fair deal on trade for developing countries at the World Trade Organisation talks.

Hilary Benn: The Government have had regular contact with EU member states about securing a good development outcome to the current WTO round of trade negotiations. Most recently I held discussions with European Development Ministers at the Informal Council of Development Ministers on 24 October in Leeds, also attended by the European Commissioner for Trade. Specifically we discussed the concept of Aid for Trade, which would help developing countries adjust to new trading conditions as well as support their supply side needs so that they are better able to benefit from the increased opportunities which trade liberalisation could bring.

World Trade Organisation

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps his Department is taking to promote the needs and interests of developing countries at the current round of World Trade Organisation negotiations.

Gareth Thomas: Working with the DTI and other Government Departments, and in line with the aims and objectives set out in the 2004 Trade and Investment White Paper, we are actively pursuing an outcome to the WTO talks which delivers real development gains. DFID works with the poorest group of developing countries to ensure their views are represented in the WTO by providing technical assistance and policy research and through direct engagement with least developed countries.

China

Mark Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions the Government plans to have with the Chinese President during his visit to the United Kingdom to encourage humanitarian reform in China.

Gareth Thomas: My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister will be discussing a range of issues with President Hu. China's response system to humanitarian emergencies is developing fast and we welcome China's readiness to offer its expertise in responding to international humanitarian disasters such as the tsunami and earthquake in Pakistan.

Medical Staff (UK Recruitment)

Anne Moffat: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment he has made of the impact on health services in developing countries of recruitment to the UK of medical and nursing staff from the developing world.

Hilary Benn: The Code of Practice for the International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals prevents the NHS from actively recruiting health workers from developing countries.
	International migration is one course contributing to the shortage of health workers in developing countries. Other causes include chronic under-investment and the affects of HIV and AIDS.
	Tackling health worker shortages must include increased investment and strengthening of health services and its human resources. That is why, in addition to implementing ethical recruitment practices which help to address factors pulling health workers out of their communities, the UK is supporting developing country governments to build stronger health services which effectively recruit, train, deploy and retain health workers in the public sector.

Civil Service

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many full-time equivalent employee reductions (a) were achieved in 2004–05 and (b) are expected to be achieved in 2005–06 as a result of the Gershon review in his Department; what (i) cost savings relating to IT projects and (ii) total efficiency savings (A) were achieved in 2004–05 and (B) are expected to be achieved in 2005–06 as a result of that review; and if he will make a statement.

Gareth Thomas: As a result of the Gershon review, DFID agreed to reduce the home civil service headcount to 1610 by the end of 2007–08. The programme was due to start in April 2005, at the start of which the DFID headcount was 1883. Plans are in place to reduce this to 1820 by the end of 2005–06 and 1715 by the end of 2006–07. Progress so far this year will be reported in DFID's autumn performance report 2005.
	It is not possible to give an exact figure for efficiency savings from IT projects, however, forecast administration costs savings of £2 million by 2007–08 include savings from IT projects. Administration costs savings will begin in 2006–07.
	Savings so far from DFID's efficiency programme will be reported in DFID's autumn performance report 2005. DFID has an efficiency target of £420 million by the end of 2007–08. The 2004 spending review did not set intermediate targets.

External Consultants

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department paid to external consultants in each year since 1997.

Hilary Benn: DFID's expenditure on consultancy services was as follows:
	
		
			  £ million 
		
		
			 1997–98 204 
			 1998–99 199 
			 1999–2000 192 
			 2000–01 194 
			 2001–02 210 
			 2002–03 222 
			 2003–04 215 
			 2004–05 219 
		
	
	Source:
	Statistics on International Development—3 November 2005

Famine (Overseas Aid)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much aid the Government has allocated to (a) Niger and (b) other countries in the region in relation to the current famine.

Hilary Benn: In response to the current food crisis in the Sahel, DFID has allocated £3.25 million to Niger, £550,000 to Mali and £110,00 to Burkina Faso.

Iraq

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the international aid for Iraqi reconstruction.

Hilary Benn: The international community is providing support to the Iraqi Government to help rebuild Iraq and improve the quality of life for its people. At the Madrid Conference in October 2003, 37 bilateral donors, the European Community, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pledged a total of US$32 billion for Iraq's reconstruction. Since 2003, the amount pledged for Iraq's reconstruction has risen to over $40 billion. As of October 2005, over US$14 billion of these pledges has been spent.
	The UK pledged £544 million for humanitarian and reconstruction work in Iraq, of which more than £350 million has been spent to date. DFID's programme of assistance this year, focuses on macro-economic reform, strengthening Iraqi institutions at the centre of government and in the south, improving power and water supplies in the south, strengthening Iraqi civil society and encouraging broad participation in the political process. Reconstruction activities in Iraq are also funded by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and the Global Conflict Prevention Pool for Iraq (jointly funded by MOD, FCO, and DFID).
	The following table provides details on the other major international aid programmes in Iraq.
	
		
			  Major international aid programmes 
		
		
			 United States The US has approved more than $28 billion for Iraq's reconstruction. This is being spent on programmes in a wide range of sectors including power, water and sanitation, oil production, transport, health, education, civil society and the training and equipping of Iraqi security forces. 
			 Japan Japan has fully committed US$1.5 billion of grant assistance to Iraq and is currently in discussion with the Iraqi Government on the use of its US$3.5 billion concessional loan programme which will focus on medium-term infrastructure projects. 
			 World Bank The World Bank has pledged a minimum of US$3 billion in lending to Iraq. An interim Strategy Note on World Bank assistance to Iraq was recently approved, and outlines the bank's support over the next two years, including the implementation of a US$500 million International Development Assistance concessional loan programme. The World Bank is also implementing projects under the International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (see below). 
			 IMF The IMF has pledged to provide over US$2.5 billion in lending to Iraq. In September 2004, the IMF Board approved US$436 million of Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance (EPCA). The main goals under the EPCA are to maintain economic stability, lay the groundwork for future economic reform, and begin the process of restoring Iraq's fiscal and external debt sustainability. 
			 International Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI)—United Nations and World Bank Trust Funds Bilateral donors have channelled over US$1 billion into the IRFFI, which is managed jointly by the UN and World Bank. Funded through IRFFI, the UN and World Bank have delivered £69 million school textbooks, rehabilitated schools, provided vaccines, conducted extensive training programmes, provided humanitarian relief, and supported the elections. DFID contributed £70 million to the IRFFI in 2004. 
			 European Commission The EC has allocated over €500 million for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, and is currently focusing on improving basic education, health services, and employment opportunities. The EC has also contributed funds and expertise to the constitutional process and the elections. 
			 Australia Australia has allocated over US$90 million for reconstruction assistance focussing on support to the agriculture sector, trade reform, electricity and police training. 
			 Canada Canada has allocated over US$222 million for humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, mainly channelled through multilateral programmes. 
			 Denmark Denmark has allocated over US$85 million focusing on human rights, rule of law and police, infrastructure, agriculture and humanitarian assistance. 
		
	
	The Iraqi Government are leading on the reconstruction and development of Iraq and have presented a National Development Strategy outlining its reconstruction priorities. The Iraqi Government co-ordinates their own and international reconstruction funding by means of Sector Working groups that meet regularly in Baghdad, chaired by Iraqi Ministries with support from the United Nations, the World Bank and a range of donors. Iraq has huge potential, and increasingly, oil sales, tax revenues and foreign investment will be able to finance reconstruction costs, so that Iraq will rely less on external donors.
	In spite of the obvious challenges, reconstruction is continuing and progress has been made. For example, there has been continued economic growth, power generation is higher than before the conflict, more Iraqis now have access to drinking water and sewerage systems, thousands of healthcare and education facilities have been rehabilitated, transport and telecommunications systems are improving and civil society groups and the media are flourishing and finding ways of engaging in the political process.

Leprosy

Michael Fabricant: To ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development if he will make a statement on his Department's actions to help eradicate leprosy in developing countries.

Gareth Thomas: Much of the remaining global leprosy burden is found in India where DFID provides specific targeted project support through the Leprosy Mission. DFID funds community based efforts to improve access to care, reduce stigma and rehabilitate those affected. Similar projects with other non-government organisations have recently ended in Brazil and Nepal. DFID provides substantial support to developing countries to implement their national health plans. Such plans address the major causes of illness, death and disability, including leprosy where it remains a problem.

Maldives Islands

Denis MacShane: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much development aid the Maldives islands has received in each year since 1997.

Gareth Thomas: The following table sets out how much development aid the Maldives have received each year since 1997, and how much aid they have received from the UK:
	
		Total donor aid and UK aid to Maldives: 1997–2004
		
			 £ millions 
			  1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Total all donors 15.82 15.09 18.96 12.73 17.32 18.30 12.58 (1)— 
			 Total UK 0.25 0.27 0.31 0.32 0.24 0.26 0.21 0.2 
		
	
	(1) not available
	The UK also provides aid through multilateral institutions, some of which will benefit the Maldives. The following table sets out the UK's equivalent contribution to the Maldives as a share of our multilateral assistance.
	
		£ thousands
		
			 UK multilateral shares EC Other UN World Bank Grand total 
		
		
			 1998 0.0 10.0 130.0 230.0 370.0 
			 1999 30.0 0.00 140.0 0.0 170.0 
			 2000 30.0 40.0 190.0 140.0 400.0 
			 2001 10.0 120.0 200.0 -30.0 300.0 
			 2002 0.0 200.0 150.0 0.00 350.0 
			 2003 0.0 230.0 150.0 340.0 720.0 
		
	
	Source:
	DAC on-line and imputed multilateral shares—4 November 2005

Millennium Development Goals

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development whether he expects the Millennium Development Goal of halving the number of people without access to clean water to be reached by 2015; and how his Department is contributing towards this goal.

Hilary Benn: While the global target to halve the proportion of people without access to safe water by 2015 should be achieved, sub-Saharan Africa is not expected to meet it. The linked target for sanitation is likely to be missed.
	DFID is working with governments and development agencies including the UN to increase access to water and sanitation. This year I announced a doubling of UK aid for water to Africa by 2007–08.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking towards education of the African population on the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, with particular reference to HIV.

Hilary Benn: Across Africa, DFID supports awareness raising and education about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV through our bilateral country programmes, funding to multilateral agencies and global initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
	In this way, DFID supports awareness raising and education as an integral part of broader programmes to tackle STI and HIV prevention, which include other activities such as provision of sexual and reproductive health services and commodities (such as male and female condoms). We are also targeting groups such as vulnerable women and young people with appropriate forms of information in addition to sexual and reproductive health services and commodities and we help to reduce the financial and social barriers which can limit access to these services such as tackling stigma and discrimination.
	For example, as a part of the Ugandan national HIV programme, DFID funds are used to raise awareness about STIs and HIV through AIDS information centres, youth clubs and schools, radio and newspapers.
	DFID has committed to spending £1.5 billion on HIV and AIDS globally over the next three years. Raising awareness of STIs and HIV will remain an important part of the comprehensive approach we support.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps he is taking in international fora to ensure greater protection of refugees in Darfur.

Hilary Benn: The primary responsibility for the protection of vulnerable people lies with their Government. This was endorsed at the 2005 Millennium Review Summit, to which the Government of Sudan was party. The UK Government continues to press the Government of Sudan on its responsibilities in Darfur, and we press all parties to abide by their commitments they have made. We have done this both directly to the Government of Sudan, and in our role as EU presidency. The UK also played a leading role in securing six recent UN Security Council Resolutions on Sudan, including resolutions 1591 and 1593, which extended the Darfur arms embargo to cover the Government of Sudan, allowed targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for the worst abuses, and referred the situation in Darfur to the International Criminal Court.
	The African Union (AU) mission in Darfur is also playing an important role in protecting the people of Darfur. Despite the recent worrying upsurge in violence in Darfur, including the attack on the Aro Sharow camp on 28 September, attacks on civilians have decreased where the AU is deployed. DFID welcomes the ongoing expansion of the force to more than 7,700. The UK has provided £32 million to support the AU mission since its inception. The EU has provided €92 million (£63 million) so far, and has recently committed a further €70 million (£48 million).
	The humanitarian community also supports the protection of civilians. This year the UK channelled £45 million through the UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator in Khartoum for humanitarian operations across Sudan, £2.4 million of this was allocated for UN and non-governmental protection work in Darfur, such as advocacy on child protection, victim counselling, work on sexual and gender-based violence, and the monitoring of agreements preventing force returns.

TB

David Burrowes: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what UK Government expenditure on TB control in developing countries (a) was between 2001 and 2004 and (b) is proposed in (i) 2005 and (ii) 2006; how much of this total is accounted for by (A) multilateral and (B) bilateral aid; and how much of the bilateral aid is accounted for by (1) project support, (2) health-sector support and (3) direct budget support.

Gareth Thomas: I refer the member for Enfield, Southgate to the response given to my hon. Friend for Cardiff North on 28 October 2005, Official Report, columns 632–33w.

Water and Sanitation (Funding)

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development when, on present trends, he expects the Sanitation Millennium Development target to be met in sub-Saharan Africa.

Hilary Benn: The most recent survey data (2002) from the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF)/World Health Organisation (WHO) Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), shows that 440 million people (64 per cent.) in sub-Saharan Africa do not have access to basic sanitation. The JMP analysis suggests that, based on progress between 1990 and 2002, it would take 90 years to achieve the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target for sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa.
	In recognition of this bleak situation, DFID is giving a particular focus to sanitation and supporting a number of bodies working to achieve the target, including the African Ministers' Council on Water, UNICEF and WaterAid. DFID has also recently committed to doubling its expenditure on water and sanitation in Africa over the next three years

Zimbabwe

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assistance the UK Government have given to humanitarian projects in Zimbabwe since September 2001; and what types of project have been supported.

Hilary Benn: DFID has spent approximately £120 million in Zimbabwe since September 2001. Almost all of this relates to humanitarian assistance, tackling HIV/AIDS and emergency support to the health sector.
	Approximately £65 million has been spent in response to the crisis of food insecurity, resulting from a combination of poor Government policies, adverse weather and the HIV/AIDS crisis. DFID has recently pledged a further £10 million to the UN World Food Programme's operations in Zimbabwe. DFID has been one of the major donors supporting the annual humanitarian appeals made through the United Nations. We also provide substantial resources through direct funding of non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Activities which DFID has supported include monthly food distributions to food insecure families, food for families affected by AIDS through home based care programmes, school feeding programmes and supplementary clinic feeding for underweight children.
	To date, some £25 million has been spent on health programmes, predominantly for HIV prevention and care. Other health-related support includes basic vaccinations for children, emergency obstetrics care for women, provision of water treatment chemicals, emergency response to cholera outbreaks, provision of commodities to the National Blood Transfusion Service and provision of insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria.
	Some £20 million has been allocated to agricultural support to small-scale farmers in communal areas, aimed at increasing productivity and food security at the household level. Other smaller humanitarian programmes include support for displaced people, including those made homeless and destitute by the Government of Zimbabwe's recent slum clearances, and those in danger of HIV/AIDS, exploitation and abuse through irregular migration.

ENVIRONMENT FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Abattoirs

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps her Department is taking to prevent local abattoirs from closing; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: The overall number of abattoirs has declined dramatically in Britain in the last few decades, reflecting an increase in slaughtering capacity in fewer and larger abattoirs. Much of this has been due to logistic requirements of the major supermarket chains. Regulatory impacts of measures to improve food safety have also played a part. Some businesses, particularly in older premises, may be faced with investment costs if they are to continue to comply with EU-wide standards for hygienic production.
	The Government are nevertheless keen that an appropriate network of abattoirs and cutting plants continue to support sustainable livestock production in Britain. To this end we are encouraging our Regional partners (Government Offices, Regional Development Agencies, Rural Development Service) to develop Regional Red Meat Strategies which recognise the importance of an appropriate red meat infrastructure (abattoirs, cutting plants and marketing).

Agricultural/Horticultural Machinery Imports

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions she has had with HM Revenue and Customs regarding the compliance with CE markings of imported agricultural and horticultural machinery.

Alan Johnson: I have been asked to reply.
	Most agricultural and horticultural machinery, whether imported or not, is regulated under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 1992 as amended (SI 1992 No. 3073). My officials periodically discuss regulatory issues with HM Revenue and Customs. However the lead enforcement authority for these regulations is the Health and Safety Executive, HM Revenue and Customs has no powers under this legislation.

Avian Influenza

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will propose to ministerial colleagues that poultry auctioneers who are closed down as a result of Government measures to prevent an outbreak of avian influenza be exempt from council tax and rates on their auction sites for the period of their closure.

Ben Bradshaw: Government policy is not to compensate for consequential losses resulting from a disease outbreak.

Avian Influenza

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the Government plans to introduce a standstill policy for poultry movements in the event of an avian influenza outbreak.

Ben Bradshaw: In the event of a disease outbreak, current legislation restricts movements within the infected area.

Avian Influenza

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what advice she has given to the poultry production and retail sectors on the possible effect of avian influenza on their business; and if she will make a statement;
	(2)  what representations she has received from the chicken and turkey retail sector on the influence of avian influenza on the market; and if she will make a statement;
	(3)  what discussions she has had with the chicken and turkey production industry on avian influenza.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department is actively engaging with key stakeholders, including representatives of the production and retail sectors, in order to provide advice and discuss their concerns regarding both the possible effect of avian influenza on their industries and Government policies and plans. This is to keep the industry aware of the risks and potential actions required by a potential outbreak of avian influenza.

Avian Influenza

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the primary mechanisms are for the spread of H5N1 avian influenza virus.

Ben Bradshaw: The primary mechanisms for the spread of avian influenza are by movement of infected birds or by contact with their excreta either directly or through objects, clothes or vehicles contaminated with excreta.

Avian Influenza

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how long the H5N1 virus retains its infectivity in the ambient atmosphere.

Ben Bradshaw: The survival of avian influenza viruses in the environment will be influenced by the strain of the virus, whether they are held in water or faeces, the host from which the faeces came, the physical properties of the faeces and the ambient temperature. The scientific literature gives a range, with different strains of virus from 12 to 36 hours at 37o C for chicken faeces artificially infected with Low Pathogenic H7N2 to at least 105 days in wet faeces under field conditions with High Pathogenic H5N2.

Avian Influenza

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what research the Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on (i) whether mechanically extracted exhaust air from intensive poultry sheds can carry viable H5N1 virus and (ii) over what distance viable virus transmission may occur.

Ben Bradshaw: The Department have not commissioned any research on this topic as the evidence is that this potential means of transmission can only occur over short distances and is unlikely to be significant in transmission between flocks under conditions prevailing in Great Britain.

Avian Influenza

Owen Paterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the risks that random mutation of an existing H5N1 strain may give rise to a new pandemic virus.

Ben Bradshaw: To date the H5N1 avian influenza assessment made by the World Health Organisation has assisted policy formation. A cross-departmental group will be commissioned to assess this risk as part of its remit.

Biomass Industry

Oliver Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what courses have received Government funding to train engineers and builders in understanding, selling and installing combined heat and power boilers in each of the last three years.

Margaret Beckett: We have provided training on community heating with CHP, delivering four workshops in 2002–03 and two in 2003–04. These covered skill shortages and CHP installation. Over the past three years we also provided general training to bidders to our Community Energy programme.
	We are additionally funding training for heating installers to help them sell and install high efficiency condensing boilers. During the financial year 2004–05 22,000 installers were trained. So far this financial year a further 9,000 have been trained.

Bird Trade

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  how many smuggled birds were seized by HM Customs and Excise entering the UK (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and what checks were made for avian influenza among these birds;
	(2)  what information she has received on the number of smuggled birds seized entering the European Union (a) in 2004 and (b) to date in 2005; and whether checks were made for avian influenza among these birds.

Ben Bradshaw: There is little hard evidence on the volume of illegal trade as by its nature only an uncertain proportion is detected. We do not have EU figures for seizures of illegally imported birds.
	Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) seize imported live birds where import is in contravention of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES). In 2004 HMRC seized 2,922 live birds. The provisional figure so far for 2005 is 313 birds. These figures include birds that are seized as a result of regulatory breaches as well as those which are smuggled.
	Rare species of birds which are seized by HMRC are normally donated to zoos or other conservation groups. These birds are quarantined and tested for disease including the avian influenza virus.
	Any other live birds found would be detained by HMRC and handed over to the relevant competent authorities (the state veterinary service/local authority) at points of entry. They too would be quarantined and tested.
	I can assure you that in the current heightened disease situation, all enforcement bodies are being more vigilant for signs of illegal trade or movement of birds.

Bird Trade

Anthony Steen: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many chickens have been imported from Thailand in each of the last three years; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: holding answer 3 November 2005
	There have been no imports of live chickens into the UK from Thailand in the last three years as recorded by the overseas trade statistics.
	The importation of fresh poultry meat produced on or after 1 January 2004 and cooked poultry meat which has not been heat treated to at least 70 0 C was banned in January 2004. Poultry meat products which have been cooked to 70 0 C or more are not considered to be a risk. Chicken meat imported from Thailand in the last three years is shown in the following table.
	
		UK Imports of chicken and chicken offal from Thailand for 2002–04
		
			  2002 2003 2004 
			 Description t'000 £ million t'000 £ million t'000 £ million 
		
		
			 Chicken, prepared or preserved 26.23 59.88 33.79 68.72 41.76 76.67 
			 Chicken, fresh, chilled or frozen 7.12 11.14 11.29 15.59 2.56 3.35 
			 Grand total 33.35 71.02 45.07 84.31 44.32 80.02 
		
	
	Source:
	H M Revenue and Customs.
	Data prepared by trade statistics food chain analysis 3, DEFRA

Colchester Oyster

Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress has been made in having Protected Geographical Indication status granted to the Colchester Oyster.

Ben Bradshaw: The completed application to register Colchester Oysters as a Protected Geographical Indication was finalised earlier this year and sent to interested parties within the UK to allow them to comment or object. This is a necessary stage of the application process to ensure that all views are considered before a decision is taken by Defra on whether the application is justified and meets the requirements of the relevant regulation. Objections were received and sent to the applicant group in July for it to consider. Their reply was received in October and is being considered by officials.

Departmental Policies

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency, the effects in Gateshead, East and Washington, West of changes to her Department's policies since 1997.

Jim Knight: Since its establishment in 2001 Defra has put in place a comprehensive programme of action on issues including sustainable development, climate change and energy, sustainable consumption and production, natural resource protection, sustainable rural communities, and a sustainable farming and food sector. A summary of some our achievements to date can be found on the Defra website (www.defra.gov.uk) I am confident that the Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency will have benefited from these.
	For example, we are committed, through our national strategy for waste, to achieving a massive shift in sustainable waste management, including tough national targets to recycle or compost 25 per cent. of household waste in 2005–06. To help contribute towards this target, each local authority in England was set a statutory recycling target for household waste in 2003–04 and 2005–06. In 2002–03, the recycling rate for Gateshead and Sunderland was just 5 per cent. and 2 per cent. respectively. They are now both expected to reach or exceed their statutory targets set for them of 18 per cent. by the end of 2005–06. In total over the past three years, Defra has given Gateshead over £2.5 million and Sunderland over £2 million for waste management and recycling. Many north-east councils have recently made significant progress on recycling from historically low levels, through the support of Defra's Waste Implementation Programme and Waste and Resources Action Programme. Defra's Municipal Waste Management Survey 2003–04 records that the north-east region quadrupled the amount of household waste recycled from 3.8 per cent. in 1996–97 to 12.3 per cent. in 2003–04.
	Through English Nature, we have provided £76,000 to Gateshead council for a 'Wildspace' project, including a community liaison officer, which has resulted in five new local nature reserves (LNRs) being designated in the east of the borough, and the project has involved local people in caring for and enjoying the sites. Regular litter removal and maintenance of entrances and paths has ensured they appear well managed and welcoming. Along with management plans for the sites, this is maximising biodiversity, and there is a strategy to secure long term gains for local people. Due to the success of the project, Gateshead council have continued to employ the officer to carry on the good work.
	We also provide grants through our agencies to voluntary groups such as the Friends of Princess Anne Park in Washington and have provided funding for a wildlife survey to identify potential for enhancing wildlife and creating habitats. This has drawn in additional funding from Sunderland city council for a park ranger. The park runs along the Oxclose and Biddick Burns, and Environment Agency field teams are carrying out targeted pollution prevention work with relevant local businesses, advising them on managing environmental risk, so improving water quality and associated habitats to prevent pollution through run off.
	In my hon. Friend's constituency, forestry grants to the Woodland Trust, the local councils and a private company have created around 10 hectares of new woodland, including screening for Springwell Quarry. Altogether over £16,000 has come through the Forestry Commission for woodland maintenance and improved public access.
	We have invested £10,000 in Durham Wildlife Trust, whose area includes Gateshead and Washington. The trust use this Environment Agency money to employ a community wildlife officer to work directly with communities in Washington, encouraging residents to prevent pollution in household drains and to recycle more, and speaking to schools and community groups around pollution hot spots. The aim is to reduce or prevent fly tipping and other contamination in watercourses, and enable other habitat improvements.
	Defra provides comprehensive statistical information. The following web address will take my hon. Friend directly to the service: http://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/default.asp.

Departmental Spending

David Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much her Department spent on items of art in 2004–05.

Jim Knight: The Department spent no money on items of art in 2004–05.

Environment Agency

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reasons the Environment Agency telephone helpline is unable to process calls without the name and address of callers.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency operates three main contact lines. All of these are able to process calls without the name and address of the caller except in the situations set out as follows:
	1. Customer Contact Centre (08708 506506)
	This centre receives most of the general telephone enquiries from external customers and delivers some specific business services.
	(a) General enquiry calls—The agency normally asks the customer for their name only so that it can personalise the call as a matter of courtesy and so that if it cannot resolve the customer's enquiry, the call can be transferred effectively to another member of staff.
	There are some situations where the agency asks for an address:
	where it is going to send a publication or application form to the customer;
	where it needs to ensure it transfers the customer to the correct area team—the agency normally just ask for postcode so that they can locate the correct area;
	where the customer actually needs to talk to their local authority rather than to the agency, it normally asks for the postcode so that it can provide the correct local authority contact details.
	(b) Flood risk/property search enquiries—To be able to respond to these enquiries correctly, the call centre needs full address details—a postcode is not specific enough.
	(c) Hazardous waste producer registrations
	The Agency needs full address details to be to deliver this business service.
	2. Floodline
	This service provides flood warning information and flood risk awareness services.
	Full address information is required in order to inform customers about flood risk related to their property, but not for general advice on flood awareness/protection.
	3. Incident hotline
	This service is used for recording pollution/flooding incidents. Although the name and address of the customer is requested so that the agency can update how the incident is being managed and resolved, it is however entirely acceptable for customers to report incidents anonymously.

Farm Plastic Collections

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what farm plastic collections are made in (a) Dacorum and (b) Hertfordshire; and if she will make a statement.

Ben Bradshaw: At present I am aware of at least one specialist farm plastics collection service that can arrange collection from anywhere in the UK, and I know that there are other collection schemes being established.
	The Environment Agency is currently completing an on-line Waste Recycling Directory that will allow businesses to identify recyclers, disposal sites and waste management companies that deal with specific wastes in their areas using a simple postcode search. The website www.wasterecycling.org.uk will be available late November 2005.

Farming Co-operatives

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to encourage the creation of farming co-operatives; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: Support and encouragement for collaboration and co-operation among farmers is one of the elements of the Government's Strategy for Sustainable Farming and Food. As part of the Strategy we actively supported the establishment of English Farming and Food Partnerships (EFFP) which was set up to promote and encourage co-operation and collaboration between farmers and between farmers and the rest of the food chain, We have also undertaken to provide EFFP with funding of £0.5 million per annum for five years from 2004–05.
	In addition, co-operation and collaboration benefiting primary producers is one of the Government's stated priorities for the award of grants under the Agricultural Development Scheme. EFFP is one of the beneficiaries of this scheme having been awarded five grants totalling approximately £1.2 million for projects to support its mission. A number of other projects concerned with collaborative activity have also been awarded grant.
	Grants for collaborative projects are also available under the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme and the Rural Enterprise Scheme.
	In 2004 Defra commissioned and funded research into possible legislative and fiscal barriers to the development of co-operatives. The report of this research was published earlier this year.

Fly-tipping

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many incidents of fly-tipping have been recorded in each of the last five years.

Ben Bradshaw: No national data were previously available before Flycapture, the national database for fly-tipping incidents, was launched in April 2004.
	Initial data from the first year's Flycapture reports have indicated that local authorities and the Environment Agency dealt with 923,977 incidents of fly-tipping between April 2004 and March 2005.

Fly-tipping

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the cost to local authorities of clearing up fly-tipping in each of the last five years.

Ben Bradshaw: No national data were previously available before Flycapture, the national database for fly-tipping incidents, was launched in April 2004.
	Initial data from the first year's Flycapture reports have indicated that local authorities and the Environment Agency spent an average of £44 million on clearing and disposing of fly-tipping between April 2004 and March 2005.

Fly-tipping

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much was imposed in fines for fly-tipping in each of the last five years.

Ben Bradshaw: No national data were previously available before Flycapture, the national database for fly-tipping incidents, was launched in April 2004. Flycapture gathers summary data on the numbers of fly-tipping incidents dealt with by local authorities and the Environment Agency as well as data on the actions taken to deal with fly-tipping.
	However, the 'Actions Taken' section of Flycapture only became compulsory in April 2005 so reliable national data from the first year is not yet available.
	The Environment Agency, which deals primarily with the larger, more serious fly-tipping incidents, has been recording information on the total fines per year resulting from agency prosecution of persons depositing waste without authorisation since 1 January 2000.
	
		
			  £ 
		
		
			 2000 582,055 
			 2001 350,907 
			 2002 445,824 
			 2003 393,050 
			 2004 368,988 
			 2005 (2)488,240 
		
	
	(2) To date.
	In addition, the following data illustrates the average fines issued at all courts in England and Wales between 1999 and 2003 for various 'fly-tipping' offences under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
	
		Number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts found guilty and sentenced at all courts for certain offences under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, sections 33 and 34, England and Wales, 1999–2003(3)
		
			 Offence description Principal statute Year 
		
		
			 Contravening conditions of a waste management licence Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 33 (6) 1999 
			   2000(4) 
			   2001 
			   2002 
			   2003 
			
			 Depositing, causing the deposition or permitting the deposition, treating, keeping or disposing of controlled waste(but not special waste) in or on land without a licence Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 33 (8) 1999 
			   2000(4) 
			   2001 
			   2002 
			   2003 
			
			 Depositing, causing the deposition or permitting the deposition of controlled special waste in or on land without a licence Environmental Protection Act 1990 section 33 (9) 1999 
			   2000(4) 
			   2001 
			   2002 
			   2003 
		
	
	(3) These data are on the principal offence basis.
	(4) Staffordshire police force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates' courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table.
	Source:
	Criminal Justice Systems analysis, RDS-OCJR.
	IOS: 366–05

Foodstuffs (Price Changes)

Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on recent price changes for (a) beef, (b) lamb, (c) milk and (d) cereals.

Jim Knight: The following tables show trends in the UK producer (i.e. farmgate) prices of beef lamb, milk and cereals. The price trends are in index form based on 2000=100.
	
		United Kingdom index of producer prices of agricultural products (2000=100)
		
			 Annual average 
			  Beef Lamb Milk Cereals 
		
		
			 2001 101 101 114 108 
			 2002 104 119 101 95 
			 2003 107 133 106 105 
			 2004 113 132 109 115 
		
	
	
		Monthly index
		
			  Beef Lamb Milk Cereals 
		
		
			 2004 
			 August 118 124 109 97 
			 September 112 119 115 93 
			 October 108 117 115 99 
			 November 107 121 115 97 
			 December 109 124 112 100 
			  
			 2005 
			 January 117 127 109 98 
			 February 117 125 108 99 
			 March 117 126 108 102 
			 April 119 138 104 102 
			 May 118 156 101 102 
			 June 118 138 102 101 
			 July 112 123 107 100 
			 August 109 112 109 97 
		
	
	Source:
	Defra: API, Food Statistics Branch
	(a) Beef prices have risen over the last few years. Prices were stable in first half of 2005, but have fallen slightly over the last few months due to increasing domestic supplies and imports coinciding with weaker consumer demand.
	(b) Lamb prices rose by more than 30 per cent. between 2000 and 2004. Lamb prices are seasonal. In the early part of 2005 prices were lower than in 2004 as increased supplies met with static demand. Prices rallied as new season lambs started to reach the market. However, since June prices have fallen again due to the increased supplies and the poor value of sheepskins.
	(c) Farmgate milk prices in 2005 have been broadly similar to last year, despite the price support cuts for butter and skimmed milk powder agreed as part of the CAP reform package, for which dairy farmers have been partially compensated.
	(d) Cereal prices are affected by a range of factors, including conditions on domestic and international markets and changes in exchange rates. The high prices of 2004 reflected the substantially lower EU harvest in 2003, but have subsequently fallen back to more normal levels.

Gershon Review

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many full-time equivalent employee reductions have been made as a result of the Gershon review; what (a) cost savings relating to IT projects and (b) total value of efficiency savings (i) were achieved in 2004–05 and (ii) are expected to be achieved in 2005–06; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: holding answer 2 November 2005
	Data on headcount and financial efficiencies delivered to the end of financial year 2004–05 are reported in the departmental report 2005 published at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/deprep/default.htm.
	None of the programmes and projects contributing to DEFRA's efficiency targets is an exclusively IT related programme. A number of programmes have elements of IT-enabled change but also involve organisational and culture change elements.
	Information about yearly targets for financial and headcount efficiencies are set in the Efficiency Technical Note (which can be viewed on the DEFRA website at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/busplan/efficienynote-0410.pdf). This is being updated at present and will be published on the DEFRA website.

Illegal Timber

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has made (a) directly and (b) through the EU to the Government of (i) Brazil and (ii) Argentina regarding illegal logging; and what steps she has taken to ensure that illegal timber is not imported into the UK.

Elliot Morley: Although the my right hon. Friend, Secretary of State, has not made any recent representations to Brazil or Argentina on illegal logging, the UK Government are involved with a number of initiatives in Latin America.
	The UK has contributed £14 million to the multi-donor Pilot Programme for the Preservation of Brazilian Rain Forests and is a major contributor to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which is creating and maintaining protected areas in the region through the Amazon Region Protected Areas Programme. The managers of the GEF have approved or endorsed funding for 29 projects in Brazil, with a value of approximately £150 million. The UK also continues to support projects in the Amazon through multilateral organisations, including the European Commission and the World Bank.
	On steps taken to ensure illegal timber will not be imported into the UK, under the UK's Presidency of the EU, unanimous Political Agreement was achieved on the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) dossier. This will allow the EU to enter into agreements with developing countries and provide them with assistance to tackle illegal logging. This assistance will include a licensing system designed to identify products and license them for export to the EU. It will be reinforced by powers for Customs to take a range of actions relating to unlicensed products from partner countries. This will allow illegal timber to be prevented from importation to the EU for the first time.

Local Government

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Environment Agency takes (a) to inspect, (b) to regulate and (c) to set targets for local authorities.

Elliot Morley: The Environment Agency does not generally inspect, regulate or set targets for local authorities. However, civic amenity sites (waste) run by local authorities are permitted and inspected by the Environment Agency. Local authorities may require licences for other operations that need their consent, for example, abstraction or discharge, and the Environment Agency would inspect and regulate these consents.

Lyons Review

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many people in her Department (a) were relocated in 2004–05 and (b) are expected to be relocated in 2005–06 following the Lyons review; where they have been relocated; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: holding answer 2 November 2005
	124 posts were relocated from London and the South East in response to the Lyons review in 2004–05. A further 86 are expected to move in 2005–06; of these seven have already relocated.
	The following table below the breakdown of these posts:
	
		
			 Location Number of posts 
		
		
			 Moves in 2004–05  
			 York 22 
			 Worcester 29 
			 Various local offices outside London and the South East 10 
			 Newcastle 13 
			 Workington 50 
			 Total 124 
			   
			 Moves in 2005–06  
			 Alnwick 7 
			 Stafford 26 
			 York 53 
			 Total 86

Pesticides

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will take steps to ensure that the Government's response to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution report on the impact of pesticide use on human beings is coordinated with the Department of Health.

Elliot Morley: holding answer 8 November 2005
	The Department has already put in place arrangements to ensure that all relevant Government Departments, including the Department of Health, are fully involved in formulating the Government's response to the RCEP report.

PG5/2(04)

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs 
	(1)  what estimate the Government has made of the cost to local authorities of the implementation of Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/2(04);
	(2)  what estimate the Government has made of the cost to local authorities of implementing Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/2(04) setting higher emissions standards for municipal crematoria.

Ben Bradshaw: In accordance with the two consultation papers issued by the Department in May 2003 and September 2004 http://www.defra.gov.uk/CQrporate/consult/crematoria/index.htm and http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria-two/consultation.pdf the estimated total cost of fitting mercury abatement to cover 50 per cent. of all cremations is between £90 million and £100 million. About 90 per cent. of crematoria are currently owned and operated by local authorities.

PG5/2(04)

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will publish a regulatory impact assessment for Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/2(04).

Ben Bradshaw: The two consultation papers referred to in my reply to UIN 24595 contained an assessment of costs and benefits.
	Process guidance notes, such as PG5/2(04), are produced to provide advice to local authority regulators on what constitutes the Best Available Techniques under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. The Act was subject to a regulatory impact assessment. The statutory Best Available Techniques concept enshrines a balance between costs and benefits. It is not practice for my Department or the Environment Agency to produce a separate regulatory impact assessment for each sector or process guidance note.

PG5/2(04)

Caroline Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the Government has made of the effect of Environmental Protection guidance note PG5/02(04) on fees charged to the public for municipal services.

Ben Bradshaw: The consultation paper issued by the Department in May 2003 http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria/index.htm contained an estimate that new requirements to abate mercury from all crematoria would increase costs by £55 per cremation. This compared with the average cost of a funeral assessed by the Office of Fair Trading in 2001 of £1,215 (for cremation) and £2,048 (for burial).
	The second consultation paper issued by the Department in September 2004 http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/crematoria-two/consultation.pdf proposed that only 50 per cent. of cremations should be subject to mercury abatement. This was adopted in the form of PG5/2(04), as amended. If the system of burden sharing enabled by the guidance is taken up by the cremation sector, this should mean an increase of between £25 and £30 per cremation. I understand that the Federation of British Cremation Authorities, which represents the majority of all crematoria operators, has arrived at a figure of £25.

Recycling (Milton Keynes)

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of household waste in Milton Keynes was recycled in 2004–05.

Ben Bradshaw: Information on recycling from individual local authorities for 2004–05 is not yet available.
	Local authority Best Value Performance Indicators for 2004–05, which include information on household waste recycling rates will be available on 15 December from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website at: www.bvpi.gov.uk

Refrigerators

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what quantity of CFCs has been recovered from refrigerators and freezers since the implementation of EU Regulation 2037/2000; and what percentage this represents of the total amount contained in those refrigerators and freezers.

Elliot Morley: The information is not available in the form requested, as the data on the recovery of CFCs does not identify the equipment from which they were recovered. The total amount of CFCs recovered from all equipment, including commercial equipment, was:
	387 tonnes in 2002
	494 tonnes in 2003
	427 tonnes in 2004
	It is not possible to calculate the percentage of CFCs recovered from the total amount contained in the equipment. This is because it is not known how much refrigerant fluid is in the equipment on arrival at licensed waste management sites, as many units are damaged in use or transit, and some fluid will have escaped before the equipment is received for disposal.

Single Payment Scheme

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the conditions for cross-compliance for the single farm payment which are imposed by EU other member states.

Jim Knight: Cross-compliance conditions involve two main elements: specific requirements in relation to 19 EU directives and regulations that apply in all member states, with many of these having been law for a number of years; and keeping agricultural land in Good Agricultural and Environmental Condition (GAEC) as defined at member state, or as the case may be, regional level within an EU framework. Given the requirement in the EC regulations to define GAEC to reflect the specific character of the areas concerned including the condition of the land, environmental conditions and agricultural activity, it is to be expected that a variety of standards will have been set within the EU. Whether those standards fulfil member states' EU regulatory obligations will be considered by the European Commission, which has already begun a programme of audits covering cross-compliance. In the meantime, DEFRA officials continue to liaise closely with the European Commission and other member states, both to ensure a common understanding of the EU regulatory obligations and to share practical experience of implementation.

Single Payment Scheme

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the Single Payment Scheme will be implemented; and whether her Department plans to propose further reform of the common agricultural policy.

Jim Knight: Ministers regularly assess the likely timing of Single Payment Scheme awards with officials at the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), which is responsible for the administration of the scheme in England. RPA remains on course to commence payments in February 2006 and complete 96 per cent. of payments by the end of March, in line with announcements made at the start of the year.
	The UK Government has called for a fundamental review of the whole EU budget, including the common agricultural policy (CAP), to report during the next EU financial perspective (2007–13). We have held detailed discussions with every member state about the budget and remain committed to working for a deal in December.
	As part of that process, we have called for a proper debate about the budget and stressed that we must begin making the necessary changes, including to CAP expenditure, before the next budget period begins in 2014. We have also been clear that any change to the CAP must take account of the legitimate business planning needs of farmers and happen over time.

Single Payment Scheme

Nick Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements she has made for releasing data on individual recipients of farm support payments under the Single Payment Scheme.

Jim Knight: The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will be releasing details of payments made under the Single Payments Scheme (SPS).
	We will publish an annual aggregate figure for payments to each recipient under the SPS drawn from our financial records. The regional analysis will be produced using the Nomenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics (NUTS). NUTS was established by Eurostat more than 25 years ago in order to provide a single uniform breakdown of territorial units for the production of regional statistics for the European Union. We will use NUTS levels one and two to provide the regional analysis. The information will be extracted, calculated and published on the RPA website after the closure of the payment window on 30 June 2006, probably by end September 2006.

Statutory Instruments

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of statutory instruments laid before the House by her Department arose as a direct consequence of European legislation in each of the last three years.

Jim Knight: It is possible to extrapolate from existing data sources a broad estimate of the percentage of SIs which came into force for each of the last three years that arose as a direct consequence of European legislation. The figures are:
	
		
			  Measures arising from EU affecting the private sector as percentage of total SIs coming into force 
		
		
			 2004 53 
			 2003 51 
			 2002 61 
		
	
	Archived data is stored depending on the date of entry into force of specific measures and not the date on which the implementing statutory instrument was laid before Parliament. Therefore, information in the precise form requested could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.
	Furthermore, the data provided relates only to measures which have a relatively significant or wide-ranging impact on business. Minor technical or updating amendments to existing regulations, which may have arisen as a consequence either of EU or domestic policies, are not included in the data source.
	The total number of SIs covered on this basis for EU and domestic policies, and which came into force in each of the three years, is: 2004 70 SIs; 2003 92 SIs; and 2002 57 SIs. The total number of SIs in any given year will be higher once minor, technical and amending measures are included.

Stewardship Scheme

Alistair Burt: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received about online applications to the entry level stewardship scheme; and if she will make a statement.

Jim Knight: holding answer 8 November 2005
	No representations have been received recently at a national level concerning the introduction of the ELS On-Line facility. However, we are aware that local RDS offices continue to receive informal enquiries from farmers and their agents on this subject.
	The ELS On-Line system remains under development and our aim is to thoroughly test it before release to ensure that it is robust and fit for purpose. It is our intention to make it available early in the new year.

Sugar

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on EU proposals for reform of the sugar regime.

Jim Knight: Defra has conducted a full public consultation exercise on the Commission's proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime. Thirty-seven written responses were received and copies of these are available for inspection in the Defra library. A summary of views expressed will be published shortly. In addition, Ministers have received a large number of letters on this subject outside the formal consultation exercise reflecting a similar range of concerns.
	Meetings with stakeholders have been conducted at both ministerial and official level on a regular basis and will continue to take place as the negotiations progress.

Sugar

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact on UK manufacturing industry of production quotas for sugar (a) over the last five years and (b) over the next five years.

Jim Knight: By sustaining high sugar prices and inefficient sugar production, national sugar quotas have restricted competition and choice for UK and EU based food manufacturers for whom sugar is a crucial ingredient. The European Commission's proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime are expected to increase competition and trade across Europe. Further analysis of these impacts is provided in the Government's detailed Regulatory Impact Assessment of options for reform of the EU Sugar Regime.

Sugar

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will accept the recommendation of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in its Twelfth Report of Session 2003–04, paragraph 52, that, if the reformed Common Market Organisation for sugar maintains the quota system, the competition authorities should conduct an investigation into the UK sugar processing industry.

Jim Knight: This is a matter for the competition authorities themselves to consider. But the Government does believe that the European Commission's present proposals for reform of the EU sugar regime do represent a considerable step forward in the operation of the quota system, with the merger of A and B quotas, the abolition of C sugar and the possibility of some expansion for the most efficient producers.

Sugar

Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the base price would be on which payments of export refunds would be calculated under the European Commission's proposals for reform of the Common Market Organisation in sugar.

Jim Knight: Export refunds for sugar are currently calculated as a function of the difference between the EU intervention price and world market levels. Under the European Commission's reform proposals the intervention system would be abolished and replaced with a number of different market management instruments, the need for which will be assessed in relation to representative prices on the EU market expressed as a reference level.
	The question of how export refunds will be set in relation to this will be a matter for the Sugar Management Committee after the Agriculture Council has reached agreement on the main reform proposals.

Warm Front Scheme

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many households in Cleethorpes constituency have received assistance under the Warm Front scheme in each year since its introduction.

Elliot Morley: Between the launch of the Warm Front Scheme in June 2000 and the end of March 2005, the numbers of households assisted in each year in Cleethorpes constituency are as follows:
	
		
			  Number of households assisted 
		
		
			 2000–01 199 
			 2001–02 898 
			 2002–03 617 
			 2003–04 790 
			 2004–05 714 
			 Total 3,218

Waste Disposal

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many landfill sites are operational in (a) England, (b) Tees Valley and (c) Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland constituency.

Ben Bradshaw: There are 561 operational landfill sites in England. This number is not constant given that the Environment Agency is currently undertaking the re-permitting of the landfill sector under the requirements of both the PPC and Landfill Regulations.
	There are currently 13 operational landfill sites in Tees Valley and one in the Middlesbrough, South and East Cleveland area.

Waste Disposal

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of the current capacity of landfill sites is filled.

Ben Bradshaw: The information is not available in the form requested at present. However, it is an area being addressed during development of the Waste Data Strategy.

Waste Disposal

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many incinerators are used in England to burn (a) household, (b) industrial and (c) other waste.

Ben Bradshaw: The Environment Agency regulates 64 incinerators in England under the Integrated Pollution Control Regime (Environmental Protection Act 1990, part 1) and the Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2000 SI 1972. The breakdown is as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Burning household waste 16 
			 Burning industrial waste (5)23 
			 Burning other waste (6)25 
		
	
	(5) Two merchant waste incinerators and the remaining 21 are in-house waste incinerators.
	(6) Clinical waste, sewage sludge and animal carcase incinerators
	As regards smaller incinerators regulated by local authorities, data from our 2003–04 statistical survey for England and Wales (http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/lapc/survey0304/index.htm) shows 65 incinerators were regulated and a further 36 combustion plant. We do not have a breakdown of how many of the 36 combustion plant burnt waste.
	Separate data collected for 2001–02 for England and Wales (http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/airquality/lapc/aqnotes/pdf/aq03(02).pdf) show that 19 installations were subject to guidance for waste combustion plant, 22 used clinical waste incineration guidance, 26 used animal carcase incineration guidance and seven used general waste incineration guidance.

Waste Disposal

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans there are to build additional incinerators to deal with refuse.

Ben Bradshaw: The Government are exploring options to support the delivery of additional energy generation from residual, post-recycling, waste as part of their current review of waste strategy.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Housing

Adam Holloway: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what estimate he has made of the likely cost of the infrastructure necessary to support the proposed house building programme in the parliamentary constituency of Gravesham; and what percentage of this cost will be met from central funding.

Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is aware that for such an ambitious programme as the Thames Gateway, infrastructure is needed that will support the new homes and jobs envisaged for these areas.
	ODPM is working closely with local partners in better defining and prioritising these costs. A proportion of these will be met by public sector as a means to enabling regeneration of the area, but it is also crucial that private sector contribute the necessary investment to make these areas sustainable.
	There has been significant investment in Gravesham to date, some £40 million worth of projects in the area, as part of ODPM's Thames Gateway programme and some £210 million allocated to North Kent. These projects will help support new infrastructure and housing, for example through land remediation of brownfield sites, new greenspace and education provision.
	Around £19 million are currently committed to Fastrack public transport system £4 million coming from ODPM and £15 million from DfT, which will run services connecting Gravesend, Dartford Bluewater and Ebbsfleet International Station.
	In addition, significant investment has been made from across Government, and examples of this are the Gravesend and North Kent Hospital, and the road widening of the A2 between Bean and Cobham where the DfT has contributed with over £115 million.

Housing

Michael Penning: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact on (a) road and (b) rail infrastructure of the new housing proposed for the Eastern Region.

Karen Buck: I have been asked to reply.
	The draft Spatial Strategy for the East of England contains a regional transport strategy. This was developed by the region in consultation with its local authorities. The Examination in Public (EiP) for the draft strategy started on 1 November. It is the work of the EiP panel to hear the evidence and representations before it in order to make recommendations to the Government on the appropriate long-term strategy in the East of England. Once the scale and broad location of developments are known, transport requirements will be subject to refinement.
	DfT Rail are finalising a Regional Planning Assessment for rail. This will help identify some of the medium to long-term requirements for the region. This work is in addition to the Route Utilisation Strategy for the region which will be implemented in December. This particular strategy seeks to maximise capacity on the rail network through measures linked with known and anticipated demand.

Local Authority Housing Stock

Austin Mitchell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether the system of writing off debt for local authorities which agree to large scale voluntary transfers of their housing stock has been approved by the European Union.

Yvette Cooper: It is the view of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister that the system of writing off debt for local authorities which agree to large scale voluntary transfers of their housing stock is not a notifiable aid under article 87(1) of the EC Treaty, as it does not distort or threaten to distort competition.

Local Government Elections

Fraser Kemp: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister when the proposals to introduce whole council local elections every four years will be taken forward.

Phil Woolas: As part of our ongoing local:vision debate on the future of local government we will, over the coming months, be seeking views of the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders on how best to implement the Electoral Commission's recommendations that all local authorities should hold whole council elections every four years.

Town Councils

Anthony Steen: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister whether there is a backlog of cases for proposed town councils for his consideration; what timescale he would expect for consideration of the establishment of a Brixham town council following a formal submission from the Torbay Unitary Authority; and if he will make a statement.

Phil Woolas: Local authorities submit to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) cases for the establishment, alteration and abolition of parish and town councils in accordance with the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 following parish reviews they undertake to their own time scale. These authorities are also required to forward to ODPM within three months valid local petitions from electors calling for the creation of a new parish and parish council. ODPM deals with its programme of such cases as they are received. It presently takes between six and nine months between ODPM receiving proposals and our making Orders to implement them in time for the first elections of new parish councils. Any proposal to establish a town council for Brixham would need to be submitted by Torbay council in line with these arrangements.

West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy

Paul Farrelly: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister which organisations and individuals have been consulted during preparation of the Phase 2 Revision Draft of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy.

Yvette Cooper: The Phase 2 revision of the West Midlands Regional Spatial Strategy was launched on Monday 7 November, when the West Midlands Regional Planning Body published a draft Project Plan for consultation. The Regional Planning Body has formally notified around 2,000 organisations and individuals of this consultation, which seeks views on the scope of the revision and the future participation arrangements. The full range of private and public bodies suggested in Annex D of PPS11 is being consulted and the consultation period ends on 31 December 2005. Further consultation is expected to take place on the options developed next summer, and on the preferred option in 2007.

TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco

David Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the limits on the importation of (a) alcohol and (b) tobacco products into Britain by individuals who have bought them within the European Union and have paid the duty levied in the country of purchase have been in each year since 1992.

John Healey: Since the introduction of the Single Market in 1993, travellers making journeys within the EU have been able to bring back as much duty and tax paid alcohol and tobacco products as they like, provided the products are for their own use and are transported by them.
	EC law allows member states to set guidelines which, alongside a number of other factors, officials may take into account to determine whether goods are imported for own use or commercial purposes.
	From 1 January 1993 the UK introduced the following guide levels-10 litres of spirits, 20 litres of fortified wine such as port or sherry, 90 litres of wine (of which not more than 60 litres of sparkling wine), 110 litres of beer, 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, 400 cigarillos, and one kilogram of smoking tobacco.
	With effect from 29 October 2002, the UK introduced increased guide levels for cigarettes and some other tobacco products, 3,200 cigarettes and three kilograms of hand-rolling tobacco.

Biodiesel Duty

Mark Lancaster: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research he has commissioned on the effects on take-up of biodiesel of a reduction in duty; and if he will reduce the duty on biodiesel.

John Healey: We have monitored the take-up of biodiesel since the introduction of a duty incentive in July 2002. Over the last three years, the duty incentive has led to increased use of the fuel in the UK and biodiesel alone now accounts for more than 2.5 million litres of fuel released for consumption each month in the UK.
	Duty rates for alternative fuels, including biodiesel, are set according to the principles of the Alternative Fuels Framework, published in the 2003 pre-Budget report. In line with the commitment to provide rolling three-year certainty set out in the framework, the current differential of 20 pence per litre is guaranteed until 2008.

Birth Rates

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many babies have been born in Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 November 2005
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question for the number of babies born in Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997. (26156)
	The table below relates to babies born anywhere in England and Wales to women usually resident in Tamworth constituency area at the time of the birth. Counts are provided up to 2004, the latest year for which figures are available.
	
		Live births to residents of Tamworth constituency, 1997 to 2004
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 1,174 
			 1998 1,184 
			 1999 1,115 
			 2000 1,087 
			 2001 1,084 
			 2002 979 
			 2003 1,149 
			 2004 1,124

Construction Industry Scheme

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many representations he has received from the construction industry on the timing of the introduction of the new Construction Industry Scheme.

John Healey: Treasury Ministers receive representations on a wide range of issues, including the Construction Industry Scheme.

Departmental Estate

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what (a) land and (b) property his Department owns in Tamworth constituency.

John Healey: The Treasury owns no land or property in the Tamworth constituency.

Departmental Staff (Literacy and Numeracy)

Nick Gibb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what proportion of new recruits to his Department do not have a level 2 qualification in English and mathematics.

John Healey: HM Treasury uses competency-based recruitment and as such focuses on skills rather than qualifications. Therefore no records are kept on the specific qualifications which new recruits have achieved.

Departmental Staff (Literacy and Numeracy)

Nick Gibb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methods of assessment of (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills are used as part of the recruitment process by employees of his Department.

John Healey: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave on 25 October 2005, Official Report, column 308W.

Duty Free Allowance

David Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 
	(1)  what the duty free allowance per person was for (a) visitors to the United Kingdom and (b) British citizens in (i) 1975, (ii) 1977, (iii) 1979, (iv) 1983, (v) 1987, (vi) 1992, (vii) 1997 and (viii) each year since 2001;
	(2)  what recent discussions he has held with the European Commission about the current UK duty free allowance; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: European Council Directive 69/169/EEC sets a tax and duty free allowance for all travellers bringing goods for personal use (excluding wine, spirits, tobacco and perfume) from outside the EU into the UK. This allowance applies equally to visitors to the United Kingdom and to British citizens.
	When the directive was first agreed in 1969, the allowance was set at 45 Euros (£36). In 1994 it was increased to 175 Euros (£136), and the UK conversion was revalorised from £136 to £145 in 1995 to reflect exchange rate fluctuations. Since then the allowance has not been revised.
	In order to change the tax and duty free allowance, the European Commission would have to make a proposal and unanimous agreement among member states would have to be reached. The Chancellor of the Exchequer wrote to the Commission at Budget 2005 proposing that the allowance be increased to £1,000. The Commission has expressed support in principle for the Government's proposal that the allowance should be raised, and it is hoped they will soon come forward with draft legislation to increase the allowance and thereby reduce unnecessary restrictions on travellers bringing goods into the EU for their own use.
	Separate quantitative limits apply for wine, spirits, tobacco and perfume. These have not been revised since the directive was first agreed and are listed as follows:
	Quantitative limits for exemptions from tax and duty for travellers bringing goods for personal use from outside the EU into the UK:
	200 cigarettes; or 100 cigarillos; or 50 cigars; or 250g of tobacco
	60cc of perfume
	Two litres of still table wine
	250cc of eau de toilette
	One litre of spirits or strong liqueurs over 22 per cent. volume; or two litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine or other liqueurs

Duty Free Allowance

David Amess: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many vehicles were confiscated by customs officers as a result of the driver carrying goods above the duty free allowance in each of the last 10 years.

John Healey: HM Revenue and Customs records of the number of vehicles seized do not differentiate between the nature of the offences in each case. Details of the total number of vehicles seized across the UK in the years 1994–95 to 1999–2000 are as follows:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1994–95 600 
			 1995–96 1,446 
			 1996–97 2,002 
			 1997–98 2,929 
			 1998–99 3,193 
			 1999–2000 5,200 
			 2000–01 10,219 
			 2001–02 11,064 
			 2002–03 8,616 
			 2003–04 6,848 
		
	
	The number ofvehicles seized in 2004–05 will be published in the Customs Annual Report, published later this year.

Economic Indicators

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what methodology he uses to assess the UK's economic performance compared with other EU countries.

John Healey: The Treasury paper on Long-term global economic challenges and opportunities for Europe" provides information on the economic performances of EU member states.

Employment Statistics

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many people were (a) employed and (b) unemployed in each electoral ward in Tamworth constituency in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 November 2005
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question about employment and unemployment. (26161)
	The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles statistics of employment and unemployment from the Labour Force Survey following International Labour Organisation definitions. Estimates of employment and unemployment are not available for wards as the survey sample size for such areas is too small.
	Table 1, attached, shows the 2001 Census figures for numbers persons aged 16 to 74 in employment who were resident in the electoral wards of the Tamworth constituency.
	ONS also compiles statistics for local areas of people claiming Jobseeker's Allowance. Table 2, attached, shows annual averages, for 1996 to 2004, for wards within the Tamworth constituency.
	
		Table 1: Number of persons aged 16 to 74 in employment resident in electoral wards of the Tamworth parliamentary constituency
		
			 Electoral wards(7) Number 
		
		
			 Bourne Vale 1,079 
			 Fazeley 2,018 
			 Little Aston 1,164 
			 Mease Valley 885 
			 Shenstone 1,557 
			 Stonnall 767 
			 Tame 842 
			 Amington 4,497 
			 Belgrave 3,633 
			 Bolehall 3,369 
			 Castle 4,209 
			 Glascote 3,356 
			 Mercian 3,109 
			 Spital 2,449 
			 Stonydelph 4,125 
			 Trinity 3,933 
			 Wilnecote 4,332 
			 Total 45,324 
		
	
	(7) Electoral wards are defined on the basis of the boundaries as they were in 1991.
	Source:
	2001 Census
	
		Table 2: Jobseeker's allowance claimants resident in electoral wards of the Tamworth parliamentary constituency
		
			 Annual averages 
			 Electoral wards(8) 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 
		
		
			 Bourne Vale 31 30 34 29 28 25 23 16 
			 Fazeley 76 68 74 70 64 54 60 50 
			 Little Aston 21 12 12 12 14 11 11 13 
			 Mease Valley 13 11 8 8 9 10 11 9 
			 Shenstone 36 33 27 24 19 18 23 19 
			 Stonnall 23 18 15 13 18 15 14 11 
			 Tame 15 15 17 12 14 10 11 11 
			 Amington 222 175 202 182 171 143 139 127 
			 Belgrave 208 173 183 163 141 123 119 94 
			 Bolehall 136 121 146 126 108 99 89 76 
			 Castle 144 122 122 107 90 92 89 96 
			 Glascote 279 248 250 239 211 174 153 132 
			 Mercian 135 114 117 96 91 77 69 68 
			 Spital 95 93 102 80 69 69 58 46 
			 Stonydelph 149 127 137 133 111 94 95 105 
			 Trinity 82 69 78 66 75 59 57 50 
			 Wilnecote 110 88 100 98 97 86 80 67 
			 Total 1,775 1,517 1,624 1,458 1,330 1,159 1,101 990 
		
	
	(8) Electoral wards are defined on the basis of the boundaries as they were in 1991.
	Source:
	Jobcentre Plus administrative systems.

External Contractors

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list the research commissioned externally by (a) his Department and (b) its agencies in each year since 1997; which external contractor was commissioned in each case; what the cost was of each research project; how long it took to complete each project; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: This information is not held centrally in Treasury or its agencies.
	This information could be obtained only at disproportionate costs.

Fatality Statistics

Michael Penning: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many fatalities in Hertfordshire have been attributed to (a) fires and (b) road traffic accidents in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician, who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Colin Mowl to Mr. Michael Penning, dated 9 November 2005
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many fatalities in Hertfordshire have been attributed to (a) fires and (b) road traffic accidents in each year since 1997. I am replying in her absence. (25573)
	The most recent available information is for deaths in 2004. Figures for deaths due to land transport accidents and exposure to smoke, fire or flames, are shown in the attached table for each year from 1997 to 2004.
	
		Deaths due to land transport accidents and exposure to smoke, fire, or flames,(9) for normal residents of Hertfordshire, registered 1997 to 2004
		
			  Land transport accidents Smoke, fire or flames 
		
		
			 1997 68 11 
			 1998 62 9 
			 1999 59 4 
			 2000 63 8 
			 2001 36 5 
			 2002 53 8 
			 2003 60 1 
			 2004 56 1 
		
	
	(9) Cause of death was defined using the codes below from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) for the years 1997 and 2000, and Tenth Revision (ICD-l0) from 2001 onwards.
	Land transport accidents:
	ICD-9-E800-E829
	ICD-10-V01-V89
	Smoke, fire or flames:
	ICD-9-E890-E899, E958.1, E968.0, E988.1
	ICD-10-X00-X09, X76, X97, Y26.
	Includes deaths given a verdict of accident, assault, suicide or undetermined intent. Deaths were selected using the original underlying cause.

Good Hope Hospital

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many babies have been delivered at Good Hope hospital in Sutton Coldfield in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the national statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell to Mr. Brian Jenkins, dated 9 November 2005
	As National Statistician I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for the number of babies delivered at Good Hope Hospital, Sutton Coldfield in each year since 1997. (26155)
	The table below shows the information requested up to 2004, the latest year for which birth counts are available.
	
		Live births delivered at Good Hope hospital, Sutton Coldfield, 1997 to 2004
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 2,989 
			 1998 2,939 
			 1999 2,961 
			 2000 3,060 
			 2001 2,930 
			 2002 2,859 
			 2003 3,063 
			 2004 3,197

IT Projects

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what comparative studies the Government have undertaken of the performance of the public and private sectors in the management of large technology projects; and if he will publish the findings.

John Healey: This information is not held centrally and can be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Kettering General Hospital

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many babies have been delivered at Kettering general hospital in each year since 1997.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Colin Mowl to Mr. Philip Hollobone, dated 9 November 2005
	The National Statistician has been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for the number of babies delivered at Kettering General Hospital in each year since 1997. I am replying in her absence. (24749)
	The table below shows the information requested up to 2004, which is the latest year for which birth counts are available.
	
		Number of live births delivered at Kettering general hospital 1997–2004
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 1997 3,245 
			 1998 3,171 
			 1999 3,211 
			 2000 3,341 
			 2001 3,224 
			 2002 3,167 
			 2003 3,400 
			 2004 3,513

Lorry Road User Charging Scheme

Tom Brake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much has been paid to (a) Serco Ltd. (b) Siemens plc. (c) T-Systems International, (d) Autostrade S.p.A, (e) TraCS Consortium, (f) Capita Group plc. and (g) IBM (UK) Ltd. in compensation for costs incurred in the procurement process for the lorry road-user charging scheme before the scheme was suspended.

John Healey: Specific payments to individual bidders are a matter of commercial confidentiality, but the total of the Proof of Solution payments and any payments made for other costs will be reported in the annual accounts of HMRC.

PFI

David Taylor: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the private finance initiative.

John Healey: The Treasury has received many representations on PFI from a wide number of parties.

Sustainable Development

Vincent Cable: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much is due to be spent in (a) the 2005–06 financial year and (b) each of the next four financial years on the carbon offset scheme by (i) his Department and (ii) each agency of his Department; and what estimate he has made of the number and distance of flights and related carbon dioxide emissions which require offsetting.

John Healey: The Departments and agencies responsible to Treasury Ministers are currently looking at the feasibility of implementing the carbon offsetting scheme and committing 1 per cent. of the annual cost of air travel to carbon offsetting from April 2006.
	The data available concerning the number of flights and their cost are as follows:
	HM Treasury: approximately 3,000 flights per annum—£2.4 million
	HM Revenue and Customs: 30,640 flights in 2004–05—£6 million
	Office for National Statistics: approximately 800 flights in 2005–06—£275,000.
	Office of Government Commerce: 552 flights in 2004–05—£160,000.
	Government Actuary's Department: 63 flights in 2005–06—£33,000.
	Debt Management Office: approximately 10 flights in 2004–05—£6,000

Workless Households

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many workless households there are in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

John Healey: The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician who has been asked to reply.
	Letter from Karen Dunnell to Andrew Rosindell, dated 9 November 2005
	As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about workless households in the UK. (26234)
	In the three months ending May 2005, there were 10.8 million households in which at least one person was of working age (a man aged 16–64 or a woman aged 16 to 59). Among these, there were 3.07 million workless households in which no one was in employment.
	These estimates from the Labour Force Survey are, as with any sample survey, subject to sampling variability.

TRANSPORT

A21

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the economic impact of the proposed A21 upgrade on the local community; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: An economic appraisal of the scheme has been carried out in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. The views of local businesses, the public and interested parties were taken into account as a result of the Public Consultation undertaken in 2002–03, which led to the Preferred Route Announcement in February 2005.

A21

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what surveys his Department has conducted on the effect of the proposed A21 upgrade on local businesses; and whether these surveys have been made available to residents in the areas affected by the route.

Stephen Ladyman: Specific surveys have not been carried out on the effect of the proposed A21 on local businesses. However, the views of local businesses, the public and interested parties were taken into account as a result of the Public Consultation undertaken in 2002–03, which led to the Preferred Route Announcement in February 2005.

A41

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the level of congestion on the A41 in Hertfordshire.

Stephen Ladyman: No assessment has been made since the A41 was de-trunked and became the responsibility of Hertfordshire county council as local highway authority.

Air Carrier Insolvencies

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on his plans in respect of airlines which have not taken voluntary measures in relation to airline insolvency insurance.

Karen Buck: Following initial meetings on 24 October, airlines representing half of UK international passengers carried on scheduled services have agreed to implement voluntary measures in relation to insolvency insurance. I plan to contact further airlines and continue this process.

Aircraft Emissions

Peter Law: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the merits of low emissions passenger aircraft.

Karen Buck: It is for the industry to work towards improved emissions performance of passenger aircraft within a policy framework set by the international community and by increasing Government and market expectations of environmental responsibility.

Antisocial Behaviour

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many instances of antisocial behaviour have been recorded on buses in (a) Surrey and (b) England in each of the last 10 years.

Karen Buck: The Department does not collect statistics on the number of antisocial behaviour incidents on buses.

Bald Tyres

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the penalty is for a driver of a car with a bald tyre.

Stephen Ladyman: If a driver accepts a fixed penalty notice, the fine is £60. If convicted in court, the maximum fine is £2,500. The offence also attracts three penalty points on the driver's licence and could also result in disqualification at the discretion of the courts, or if the total number of penalty points on the driver's licence required it.

Bathside Bay

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce a decision on Bathside Bay.

Stephen Ladyman: The report of the public inquiry into the proposed Bathside Bay Container Terminal Development is under careful consideration, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Bathside Bay

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the Government to make an announcement regarding the proposed Bathside Bay port development.

Stephen Ladyman: The report of the public inquiry into the proposed Bathside Bay Container Terminal Development is under careful consideration, and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Coach Seat Belts

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether he plans to introduce legislation to require passengers to wear seat belts in the passenger seats of coaches; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: Drivers and front seat passengers are required to use seat belts in all vehicles where they are installed. Passengers in the rear (that is all other) seats of buses and coaches are required to use seat belts where they are available in vehicles up to 2,540 kgs unladen weight (roughly 16 seats).
	Regulations are presently in preparation to come into force in 2006 (subject to parliamentary approval) to require seated passengers aged three years and above in the rear seats of larger buses/coaches to use seat belts where they are available. This follows a departmental consultation in 2004 about the changes needed in seat belt wearing regulations in order to transpose the requirements of European Directive 20/2003/EC into domestic legislation. The consultation document and the subsequent decision letter are available on-line at: www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_rdsafety/documents/divisionhomepage/039143.hcsp

Coastguard

David Mundell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many emergency calls were made to the Coastguard Service in each of the last five years; and how many such calls were found to be hoaxes.

Stephen Ladyman: The information requested is as follows.
	
		
			  Total number of calls Hoax calls 
		
		
			 2000 12,016 221 
			 2001 12,541 206 
			 2002 13,395 260 
			 2003 13,849 232 
			 2004 14,240 301

Concessionary Travel

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  if he will estimate (a) the cost of extending to the rest of England the London scheme of free bus travel for under-16s, and (b) the cost of extending free travel to under-18s in full-time education;
	(2)  what estimate he has made of (a) extending the travel concession on buses for under-16s in London to all of England and (b) extending that concession to include under-18s in full-time education.

Karen Buck: Analysis for the Department for Transport estimated the costs of providing free bus travel, at all times and for all purposes, for five to 16-year-olds at around £365 million. Extending free bus travel to 17 and 18-year-olds, for education trips only, would cost about another £65 million. The costings are in 2002–03 prices.

Crossrail

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many existing stopping services from Oxford, Reading and Slough to Paddington will cease to operate once Crossrail is constructed.

Derek Twigg: Crossrail services will subsume many of the suburban services, but project planning assumes that a twice hourly diesel operated service will run throughout the day between Reading and London Paddington on the Relief (slow) Lines. These trains could be a continuation of the existing twice hourly stopping service between Oxford and Reading.

Departmental Staff

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people worked in his Department in each year since 1998, broken down by sex, grade and race.

Karen Buck: The information is published in civil service statistics which is available in the Library of the House.

Electric Cars

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will ensure that electric cars are included in the low carbon grant scheme.

Stephen Ladyman: The proposed low carbon car grant programme is technology neutral. Any car meeting the necessary emissions standards would be eligible for a grant irrespective of the technology used. As electric cars have no tailpipe emissions they are generally treated as ultra low carbon emitting vehicles (i.e. <100g/km CO 2 ).

Electric Cars

Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to ensure that incentives to encourage the take up of emission-free cars include electric cars.

Stephen Ladyman: Fully electric vehicles are exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED). New electric hybrid vehicles (i.e. those that are powered by a combination of electricity and another fuel) registered since March 2001 enjoy a VED discount over conventionally fuelled vehicles.
	The company car tax system includes an incentive to encourage take up of low and zero emission technology. Cars that are capable of running solely on electricity and other alternative fuels benefit from a discount from the equivalent petrol company car tax percentage charge.
	Electric vehicles also enjoy a number of other local benefits, including free parking in some areas and an exemption from the central London congestion charge.
	All current and proposed grant programmes to encourage the take up of low emission vehicles are technology neutral. The eligibility criteria for the programmes focus on reducing emissions, irrespective of the technology used. Applications for electric cars and technology will be assessed against technology-neutral criteria and considered equally alongside other technologies.

Felixstowe

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he will announce a decision on the Port of Felixstowe.

Stephen Ladyman: The report of the public inquiry into the proposed Felixstowe South re-configuration is under careful consideration and an announcement will be made as soon as possible.

Departmental Funding

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much funding was allocated by his Department to Hemel Hempstead constituency for (a) capital projects and (b) revenue funding in each of the last eight years.

Karen Buck: The Hemel Hempstead constituency is covered by the Hertfordshire county council local transport plan. The funding provided to Hertfordshire county council for local transport capital expenditure for each of the last eight years is shown in the following table.
	
		Hertfordshire county council nature of funding
		
			 £ million 
			  Capital maintenance Integrated block Major schemes Total 
		
		
			 1998–99 2.179 1.809 .565 4.553 
			 1999–2000 2.438 4.200 .220 6.858 
			 2000–01 4.467 5.000 0 9.467 
			 2001–02 10.083 12.500 0 22.583 
			 2002–03 10.586 12.950 1.900 25.436 
			 2003–04 7.939 14.170 1.409 23.518 
			 2004–05 9.262 12.350 18.650 40.262 
			 2005–06 8.596 12.600 14.200 35.396 
		
	
	Capital maintenance funding is allocated to local highways authorities for investment in their highway network, including their structures and street lighting. The integrated transport block is Government funding support for transport improvements schemes each costing less than £5 million and can be used for local highways or public transport capital projects. It has been for Hertfordshire county council to determine how these allocations were spent, in line with their local transport plan and their priorities.
	Funding paid by the Department to Hertfordshire county council in the form of Rural Bus Subsidy Grant, and Rural Bus challenge funding since 1998 is shown in the following table.
	
		Hertfordshire county council nature of funding
		
			  £ million 
			  Bus grants 
		
		
			 1998–99 .64 
			 1999–2000 .73 
			 2000–01 .65 
			 2001–02 1.26 
			 2002–03 .92 
			 2003–04 .62 
			 2004–05 .68 
			 2005–06 .71 
		
	
	The revenue support grant (RSG) from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister provides further revenue funding for highway maintenance, concessionary fares and subsidising bus services. However, RSG is unhypothecated and may be applied by local authorities to any services.
	The Department's spend on railways can not be disaggregated by constituency.

Departmental Funding

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much (a) capital and (b) revenue funding was allocated by his Department to (i) North East Lincolnshire and (ii) North Lincolnshire in each of the last five years.

Karen Buck: The funding provided to North Lincolnshire council and North East Lincolnshire council for local transport capital expenditure since 2001 is shown in the following tables:
	
		North Lincolnshire county council
		
			 £ million 
			  Nature of funding 
			  Capital maintenance Integrated block Total 
		
		
			 2001–02 2.468 1.200 3.668 
			 2002–03 2.598 2.200 4.798 
			 2003–04 2.109 2.900 5.009 
			 2004–05 2.447 3.156 5.603 
			 2005–06 2.554 2.700 5.254 
		
	
	
		North East Lincolnshire county council
		
			 £ million 
			  Nature of funding 
			  Capital maintenance Integrated block Major schemes Total 
		
		
			 2001–02 0.965 2.100 0.359 3.424 
			 2002–03 0.970 4.700 0.158 5.828 
			 2003–04 1.128 3.600 0.0 4.728 
			 2004–05 2.067 3.220 0.0 5.287 
		
	
	Capital maintenance funding is allocated to local highways authorities for investment in their highway network, including their structures and street lighting. The integrated transport block is Government funding support for transport improvements schemes each costing less than £5 million and can be used for local highways or public transport capital projects. It has been for North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire councils to determine how these allocations were spent, in line with their local transport plan and their priorities.
	Funding allocated by my Department to both North Lincolnshire council and North East Lincolnshire council in the form of Rural Bus Subsidy Grant and Rural Bus Challenge funding since 2001 is shown in the following table.
	
		Bus grants
		
			 £ million 
			  North Lincolnshire North East Lincolnshire 
		
		
			 2001–02 .33 .05 
			 2002–03 .38 .78 
			 2003–04 .87 .06 
			 2004–05 .39 .07 
			 2005–06 .41 .08 
		
	
	The Revenue Support Grant (RSG) from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister provides further revenue funding for highway maintenance, concessionary fares and subsidising bus services. However, RSG is unhypothecated and may be applied by local authorities to any services.

Humber Bridge

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the toll for the Humber Bridge was in each year since its opening.

Stephen Ladyman: The following are the maximum tolls chargeable at the Humber Bridge since the confirmation of the initial toll order in 1980, with reference to the statutory instrument authorising the toll charges:
	
		The Humber Bridge Tolls Order 1979 Confirmation Instrument 1980
		
			 Class of traffic Maximum toll (£) 
		
		
			 Motor cycles with or without side-cars 70p 
			 Cars, including three wheeled cars, and Light Vans up to 30 cwt capacity 1.50 
			 Light commercial vehicles (30 cwt to 3 tons). Cars and Light Vans with trailers 2.90 
			 Heavy commercial vehicles (over 3 tons):  
			 Class A (2 axle) 5.20 
			 Class B (3 axle) 6.60 
			 Class C (4 or more axles) 8.00 
			 Mini-buses with a seating capacity of more than eight but not more than 16 passengers 2.90 
			 Buses and coaches with a seating capacity of 17 and over. 5.20 
		
	
	
		The Humber Bridge (Revision of Tolls and Vehicle Classification) Order 1989
		
			 Toll charges (£) 
		
		
			 1 Motor cycle with or without sidecar 70p 
			 2 Car, Goods vehicle having a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. 1.60 
			 3 Goods vehicle having a maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes; vehicle within class 2 above with trailer; small bus; and Motor caravan. 2.90 
			 4 Goods vehicle having a maximum weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes with 2 axles, Large bus. 6.50 
			 5 Goods vehicle having a maximum weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes with 3 axles. 8.70 
			 6 Goods vehicle having a maximum weight exceeding 7.5 tonnes with 4 or more axles. 10.90 
		
	
	
		The Humber Bridge (Revision of Tolls and Vehicle Classification) Order 1997
		
			 Toll charges (£) 
		
		
			 1 Motor cycle with or without sidecar 1 
			 2 Car, Goods vehicle having a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. 2.30 
			 3 Goods vehicle having a maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes; vehicle in class 2 above with trailer; small bus (up to 16 passengers excluding driver); and Motor Caravan. 4.10 
			 4 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 2 axles. 9.20 
			 5 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 3 axles. 12.30 
			 6 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 4 or more axles, 15.40 
		
	
	
		The Humber Bridge (Revision of Tolls and Vehicle Classification) Order 2000
		
			 Toll charges (£) 
		
		
			 1 Motor cycle with or without sidecar 1 
			 2 Car, Goods vehicle having a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and Motor Caravan 2.40 
			 3 Goods vehicle having a maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes; vehicle in class 2 above with trailer; and small bus (up to 16 passengers excluding driver). 4.30 
			 4 Goods Vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 2 axles. 9.60 
			 5 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 3 axles. 12.90 
			 6 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 4 or more axles. 16.10 
		
	
	
		The Humber Bridge (Revision of Tolls) Order 2002
		
			 Toll charges (£) 
		
		
			 1 Motor cycle with or without sidecar 1.10 
			 2 Motor Car, Goods vehicle having a maximum weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and Motor Caravan 2.50 
			 3 Goods vehicle having a maximum weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 7.5 tonnes; vehicle in class 2 above with trailer; and small bus (up to 16 passengers excluding driver). 4.50 
			 4 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 2 axles. 10.00 
			 5 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 3 axles. 13.40 
			 6 Goods vehicle exceeding 7.5 tonnes maximum weight with 4 or more axles. 16.70

Left-hand Drive HGVs

Eric Pickles: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce regulations to ensure that left-hand drive heavy goods vehicles have sufficient side mirrors to alleviate blind spots in relation to vehicles passing on the right.

Stephen Ladyman: International obligations do not allow us to require, unilaterally, levels of equipment that exceed the requirements of agreed international standards. However, we have agreed, with European partners, a directive that will require large goods vehicles to be fitted with additional mirrors that provide a wider angle of vision along both sides of the vehicle and also a better downward view of the traffic adjacent to the side of the vehicle. This directive will apply to newly registered vehicles within the European Community and will start to take effect from January 2007.

Light Rail and Trams

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on light rail and tram schemes.

Derek Twigg: As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport said in his written statement to the House on 3 November 2005, Official Report, columns 59–62WS, we recognise that trams can be very effective in heavily trafficked areas. We will continue to be prepared to support trams, where they are the right solution but we will not do so at any cost, and in many cases a well designed and promoted bus based system is likely to provide a more cost effective solution.
	Where trams are promoted, they will need to be developed as part of an integrated approach to tackling an area's problems, and they will need to be supported by commitments to complementary measures to deliver the benefits of increased public transport usage and reduced congestion. We will continue to work closely with promoters and the industry to seek to ensure that these benefits can be realised, and that the costs of tram systems are minimised and properly controlled.

LPG

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government is taking to encourage the use of liquid petroleum gas fuel in cars.

Stephen Ladyman: The Government recognises the environmental benefits of LPG and has provided support to the LPG industry through fuel duty incentives, grants for vehicle conversion and reduced rates of vehicle excise duty and company car tax.
	The rationale for decisions on the level of Government support for different fuels is set out in the Alternative Fuels Framework published in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's 2003 pre-Budget report. In Budget 2005 the Chancellor of the Exchequer set out the level of fuel duty incentives that LPG would enjoy until 2008.

Merseytram

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what informal advice was (a) sought and (b) received by Ministers of his Department in relation to Merseytram Line 1.

Derek Twigg: Ministers in this Department have had information and advice from a number of interested parties on aspects of the Merseytram Line 1 scheme. It is not possible to record every bit of advice that may be sought or received.

Motorways

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what assessment he has made of the level of congestion on the M1 in Hertfordshire;
	(2)  what assessment he has made of the level of congestion on the M25 in Hertfordshire.

Stephen Ladyman: Congestion on the M25 and the M1 in Hertfordshire is monitored using a number of methods, such as traffic counts, individual surveys and cameras.
	Recent assessments have been carried out as part of two multi-modal studies 'Orbit: Transport Solutions Around London' and the London and South Midlands Multi-Modal Study, and the route management strategies for the M1 and M25.
	Following these assessments a number of recommendations have been made. These include widening of the M25 from dual three lanes to four between junctions 16 to 27, and widening the M1 between junctions 6 to 13 to a consistent dual four lane carriageway.
	The first phase of widening on the M25 will begin in autumn 2007 between junctions 16 and 19. The widening on the M1 between junctions 6 to 10 will start next spring. Both these schemes will greatly reduce existing congestion on the M1 and M25 in Hertfordshire.

Motorways

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 
	(1)  what plans he has to introduce a quieter road surface on the M4 and its slip roads in the vicinity of junctions 8 and 9;
	(2)  what surface materials will be used in the forthcoming work to introduce a third lane in the slip roads on and off the M4 at junctions 8 and 9.

Stephen Ladyman: There are no plans at present to resurface the main carriageway of the M4 in the vicinity of junction 8 and 9. However, when resurfacing for safety and operational reasons becomes necessary a low noise surfacing material will be used.
	The resurfacing material to be used as part of the widening scheme to introduce a third lane on the slip roads of the M4 at junction 8 and 9 will be a thin surface course material, which has noise reducing properties.
	Some short sections of the slip roads on the approaches to the traffic signals at the junction will then be overlaid with high skid resistance surfacing to enhance road safety. This material has little or no noticeable effect of mitigating traffic noise but is essential to road safety.

Multi-modal Studies

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which recommendations of the multi-modal studies have been accepted; and what progress has been made with implementing these.

Stephen Ladyman: 21 multi-modal studies have been completed and we have issued detailed responses to the recommendations from 19 of these studies. In view of the number of studies and recommendations involved, it would be possible to answer this question only at a disproportionate cost. Copies of our responses to each study were placed in the House Library at the time they were made.

Multi-modal Studies

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which recommendations of the multi-modal studies have been rejected; and for what reasons in each case.

Stephen Ladyman: We have provided detailed responses to the recommendations from 19 multi-modal studies. Each response was placed in the House Library at the time that it was made and provides the reasons for rejected recommendations.

October Clock Adjustment

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects on numbers of road casualties of turning back the clocks in October each year.

Stephen Ladyman: A Government commissioned report by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) published in October 1998 concluded that, if the UK adopted single/double summertime (ie GMT plus one hour in the winter, from October to March, and GMT plus two hours in the summer, from March to October) thereby making the evenings lighter, there could be a reduction in road casualties of over 400 people killed or seriously injured per year in Great Britain, including 100 deaths. However, a wide variety of issues would have to be considered very carefully if such a change was to be implemented of which casualty changes would be just one.

Pedestrian Crossing Deaths

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people have died after being hit by a vehicle on a pedestrian crossing in each year since 1998.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of pedestrians killed on a pedestrian crossing after being involved in a personal injury road accident between 1998 and 2004 are shown in the table.
	
		Pedestrian fatalities on pedestrian crossings(10): 1998–2004
		
			  Number of fatalities 
		
		
			 1998 68 
			 1999 72 
			 2000 62 
			 2001 63 
			 2002 74 
			 2003 78 
			 2004 59 
		
	
	(10) Includes footbridges, subways and uncontrolled central refuges.

Port Capacity

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether port capacity in England and Wales is being exceeded

Stephen Ladyman: Not at present. Locally, from time to time and for particular kinds of traffic, demand might exceed existing port capacity. In the short to medium-term the port sector will adjust contracts and prices to balance supply with demand. In the longer term, current and proposed investments in new facilities—for example, new dry bulk quays at Immingham and new container cranes at Tilbury—are an indication of the commodity sectors where the ports industry expects demand to grow in excess of current capacity.
	Consultants working for the Department, MDS Transmodal, are currently developing demand forecasts to support the forthcoming ports policy review.

Public Sector Relocation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many people in his Department (a) were relocated in 2004–05 and (b) are expected to be relocated in 2005–06 as a result of the Lyons review of public sector relocation; to which places they have been relocated; and if he will make a statement.

Karen Buck: holding answer 3 November 2005
	The Department and its agencies are implementing the Lyons Review recommendations to relocate 60+ posts out of London and the South East by 2010.
	During 2004–05, the Department relocated 12 posts from London to Hastings and 25 posts from London to Derby. The work of a further 10 posts was dispersed from London to VOSA staff located outside the South East, making a 2004–05 total of 47 posts. No relocations under the Lyons Review are currently planned for 2005–06, but further relocations are planned for future years.

Public Transport

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps the Government is taking to ensure people have access to effective public transport, with particular reference to rural communities.

Karen Buck: We are working with the bus industry and local authorities to ensure that all communities have the effective bus services they need. The Bus Partnership Forum brings together senior representatives of the industry, central and local government to find practical ways of improving local bus services. The forum has, for example, published guidance on improving the punctuality of bus services and has encouraged bus operators and local authorities to form local punctuality improvement partnerships to help bring about improvements in performance.
	Local and central Government provides funding of over £1.6 billion annually to support bus services. This includes £53 million this year provided by the Department in the form of Rural Bus Subsidy Grant to assist local authorities to support bus services in rural areas. Since 1998 we have also allocated a total of £110 million to 300 rural transport projects under the Rural Bus Challenge scheme.
	On 1 November we announced Kickstart" support, totalling £20 million, for 43 projects involving new and improved bus services which will become viable through growth in passenger numbers after an initial period of pump-priming from Government funds. 11 of these schemes will serve areas which are mainly rural in character.
	Finally, we are expecting all local transport authorities to include accessibility strategies in their next Local Transport Plans, due in March next year. These strategies should be based on evidence and analysis of the problems people face in accessing jobs and essential services and facilities. They should include consideration of the accessibility and availability of local public transport. Our guidance to authorities makes clear that the strategies should take account of the particular needs of rural communities.

Public Transport

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to improve public transport (a) in Leeds and (b) in West Yorkshire.

Karen Buck: This Government has invested in long term public transport improvements in Leeds and West Yorkshire as a whole. Funding provided to local authorities for local highways and public transport capital projects in West Yorkshire has increased by 46 per cent. in real terms over the last five years, from £34 million in 2000–01 to £54 million in 2005–06.
	West Yorkshire has also benefited from significant investment in major bus schemes, with £39 million committed since 2001 to schemes that are realising major improvements in bus services. These include East Leeds Quality Bus Corridor, A641 Manchester Road, Bradford Quality Bus Scheme and West Yorkshire Education Transport (My Bus).
	With regard to rail, 16 new four-coach Class 333 electric trains have been introduced on the Airedale and Wharfedale lines, which have seen a significant increase in patronage. This success story has helped rail patronage in West Yorkshire to rise from 16.3 million passengers in 1999–2000 to 21.1 million in 2004–05, an increase of 30 per cent. The new TransPennine franchise began in February 2004. It will deliver more than £250 million worth of investment, with a brand new fleet of 50 trains due to be introduced in 2006. Also benefiting Leeds and West Yorkshire is a 44 per cent. increase in East Coast main line services since 1996—currently 53 services per day, rising to 66 services per day in December 2007.

Railways

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress has been made in the development of the rail accident investigation branch since its establishment; how many times its officials have met representatives of the light rail sector; and what protocols have been established with the light rail sector.

Derek Twigg: The rail accident investigation branch (RAIB) was established in 2003 and consultation took place with 165 organisations in drawing up the Railways (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2005. These regulations, which in addition to the Railway Transport and Safety Act 2003, give the RAIB its powers and duties came into force on 17 October 2005.
	The RAIB has worked closely with the rail industry, including the light rail sector, during its development.
	No protocols have been established for light rail as this has not been seen to be necessary by either the RAIB or the light rail sector. It is industry's responsibility to ensure their operational procedures are revised to reflect the changes necessary to comply with the rail accident investigation and reporting regulations and to reflect RAIB's work. However RAIB has had discussions with the light rail sector to facilitate this and has issued guidance. The light rail sector has indicated this has provided all the information necessary.

Railways

George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times officials from the Rail Accident and Investigation Branch have met representatives of (a) the police and (b) the Health and Safety Executive.

Derek Twigg: Since the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) was formed in 2003, officials from the RAIB have had frequent meetings with both the police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Railways

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the (a) passengers in excess capacity and (b) total number of passengers was (i) for each London commuting service train operator and (ii) in total, broken down into (A) am peak and (B) pm peak figures measured in the most recent survey; and how many peak passengers into London there were for (1) am peak periods, (2) pm peak periods and (3) in total for each London commuting service train operator in that period.

Derek Twigg: The figures requested are in the following table:
	
		Passenger counts : Services to and from London Terminals
		
			  2004 
			 TOCs AM peak number of trains Number of passengers PIXC PIXC (%) PM peak number of trains Number of passengers PIXC PIXC (%) Overall 
		
		
			 Chiltern 36 9,518 157 1.6 34 8,451 0 0.0 0.9 
			 Southern 140 75,228 5,833 7.8 134 58.174 1.040 1.8 5.2 
			 SET 175 117.661 2,830 2.4 169 92,578 383 0.4 1.5 
			 One 137 74,842 1,690 2.3 136 69,263 1,629 2.4 2.3 
			 LTS/c2c 46 27,175 610 2.2 43 22,649 249 1.1 1.7 
			 Silverlink 84 22,828 1,080 4.7 58 20.724 265 1.3 3.1 
			 South West Trains 133 82,139 5,607 6.8 138 62,815 710 1.1 4.4 
			 FGWL 41 10,874 275 2.5 39 9,627 147 1.5 2.1 
			 Thameslink 50 26,995 651 2.4 55 23,736 650 2.7 2.6 
			 WAGN 56 24,569 537 2.2 54 21,062 685 3.3 2.7 
			 Total 898 471,829 19,270 4.1 860 389,079 5,758 1.5 2.9 
		
	
	Note:
	Capacity measured at the point on the journey where the highest number of passengers is carried.

Road Accidents/Safety

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) road traffic accidents and (b) road fatalities there have been on the A14 in Suffolk in each of the last 10 years.

Stephen Ladyman: The number of personal injury road accidents and the number of resultant fatalities on the A14 in the county of Suffolk for the years 1995 to 2004 are shown in the table.
	
		
			 Year of accident Personal injury accidents Fatalities 
		
		
			 1995 91 7 
			 1996 101 5 
			 1997 128 7 
			 1998 123 2 
			 1999 122 8 
			 2000 138 8 
			 2001 138 10 
			 2002 157 5 
			 2003 128 3 
			 2004 143 5 
		
	
	The Department for Transport does not collect statistics on damage-only accidents.

Road Accidents/Safety

Si�n James: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the road safety implications of variable or rolling advertising billboards at road junctions; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: The Department has not undertaken such an assessment. Local planning authorities are responsible for the control of outdoor advertisements. They are required by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to consider public safety before giving consent to display an advertisement. Advice to them is to consider the effect of the advertisement on the safe use and operation of any form of traffic when considering an application for consent to display any advertising billboards at road junctions.

Road Accidents/Safety

Gwyneth Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many road safety violations by (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic heavy goods vehicles in England and Wales were recorded by the British Transport Police in England and Wales in (i) 2002, (ii) 2003 and (iii) 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Derek Twigg: The numbers of crimes recorded in England and Wales by the British Transport Police (BTP) for the offence of failing to obey road traffic signs are shown as follows:
	
		
			  Number of crimes 
		
		
			 2002 1,866 
			 2003 2,414 
			 2004 1,863 
		
	
	The separate figures for (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic heavy goods vehicles can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Road Accidents/Safety

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make it his policy to record the nationality of all drivers involved in road traffic accidents in (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency and (b) Hertfordshire.

Stephen Ladyman: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 3 November 2005, Official Report, column 1289W.

Road Schemes

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received opposing the Bexhill to Hastings link road; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 11 July 2005, Official Report, column 668W. Since then there have been around 10 further written representations, all of which have been against the scheme.

Seat Belts

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) males and (b) females travelling in coaches were (i) killed, (ii) seriously injured and (iii) injured in road accidents in each of the last five years for which figures are available; and of these how many were wearing a seat belt.

Stephen Ladyman: The following table gives number of fatal, seriously injured and injured bus and coach users that were seated by gender .for 200004. Figures for coach users cannot be identified separately. Bus and coach casualties in the table are not necessarily those from vehicles used for public service. Routine statistics on accidents do not include information on seat belt usage.
	
		Casualties: bus and coach users: 200004
		
			  Fatal (seated) Seriously injured (seated) Slightly injured (seated) All seated casualties All bus/coach casualties 
		
		
			 Male  
			 2000 5 60 1,527 1,592 3,486 
			 2001 0 55 1,605 1,660 3,543 
			 2002 4 53 1,391 1,448 3,179 
			 2003 0 43 1,365 1,408 3,140 
			 2004 5 50 1,450 1,505 3,144 
			   
			 Female  
			 2000 2 173 3,722 3,897 6,571 
			 2001 1 142 3,575 3,718 6,328 
			 2002 4 152 3,222 3,378 5,797 
			 2003 0 129 3,447 3,576 5,908 
			 2004 2 129 3,153 3,284 5,663 
			   
			 Total1  
			 2000 7 233 5,262 5,502 10,088 
			 2001 1 197 5,188 5,386 9,884 
			 2002 8 207 4,635 4,850 9,005 
			 2003 0 172 4,826 4,998 9,068 
			 2004 7 179 4,607 4,793 8,820 
		
	
	(11) Includes cases where gender was not reported.

Seat Belts

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the current seat belt wearing rate in coaches by (a) males and (b) females; and what the estimated rates were in each of the last two years for which figures are available.

Stephen Ladyman: Information is not collected to make such estimates. Roadside observers undertake regular surveys for the Department of the seat belt wearing of drivers and passengers in cars and goods vehicles but cannot collect such information in respect of passengers in buses or coaches.

Seat Belts

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the Government plans to introduce the use of seat belts on buses.

Stephen Ladyman: I refer to the answer the hon. Member to the answer given to the hon. Member for Southend West (Mr. Amess) today (UIN 25735) about seat belt wearing in coaches. There are no plans to require seat belts to be installed in vehicles that are not presently required to have them fitted.

Seat Belts

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the penalty is if a driver is found not to be wearing a seat belt while driving.

Stephen Ladyman: If a driver accepts a fixed penalty notice, the fine is 30. If convicted in court, the maximum fine is 500.

Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what financial support the Transport Security Directorate has offered to International Maritime Organisation regional missions in each of the past three years.

Stephen Ladyman: The Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate has won support from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Global Opportunities Fund (Counter Terrorism) funds in respect of:
	
		
			 Financial year Purpose Sum () 
		
		
			 200506 IMO sub-regional seminar held in the Yemen 27,000 
			  Will be provided for a further six IMO projects 102,000 
			 200405 Contribution to the International Maritime Security Trust Fund 180,000 
			  IMO security training courses in Africa 26,000 
			 200304 n/a None

Transport for London

Jacqui Lait: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will seek to amend the relevant legislation to strengthen the requirements for consultation by Transport for London.

Karen Buck: We have no plans at present to amend the legislation.

Transport Investment (Eastern Region)

Richard Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Answer of 26 October 2005, Official Report, column 384W, on what date a committee was appointed to advise on priorities for investment in transport for the Eastern region; and who the members of the committee are.

Stephen Ladyman: No committee has been specifically appointed to advise on priorities for investment in transport in the East of England. The advice will be delivered through the East of England Regional Assembly following consideration by the Regional Planning Panel of that body. Details of the membership of the Regional Planning Panel can be obtained from the Regional Assembly's website.

Transport Projects

Fraser Kemp: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what transport projects his Department is planning for (a) Houghton and Washington East constituency, (b) the Wearside area and (c) the North East Region.

Karen Buck: The Secretary of State for Transport plans and funds through his Department and its agencies a variety of capital and revenue projects. He also funds projects which are planned by others, particularly local authorities, through the Local Transport Plan (LTP) process and Revenue Support Grant allocations.
	The LTP system provides capital funding to local authorities to cover expenditure on major schemes (those costing more than 5 million) and minor improvement works and maintenance by way of block allocations.
	In terms of the block allocations, the guideline figures for the five years from 200607 are in the order of:
	(a) The Houghton and Washington East Constituency
	25 million 1 for Sunderland city council. It is not possible to provide this information for the constituency.
	(b) The Wearside area
	As above.
	(c) The North East Region
	410 million 1 .
	1 Exact figures are confirmed annually and relate to the assessments of progress in delivering the LTPs.
	In terms of Local Authority and Highways Agency capital transport infrastructure improvement projects costing more than 5 million, it should be noted that, in July 2005, regions were provided with indicative annual capital allocations to 201516 for transport (excluding rail funding) in order that they could prioritise schemes and provide advice to the Secretary of State in January 2006. Highways Agency trunk road projects in the North East included in this process are all bar those on the A1 in the region to its junction with the A19 from the south.
	There are a number of major schemes in the region which have recently been completed or are currently under construction:
	A167 Chilian Bypass, Durham
	South Stockton Link Road
	Stephenson Link, North Tyneside
	Scotswood Road Dualling, Newcastle
	Eldon Square Bus Station
	Sunderland Southern radial Route
	Durham Park and Ride
	There are currently two major schemes in the region which are planned to commence construction in early 2006:
	A66 Long Newton Junction Improvement, Stockton
	Pegswood Bypass, Northumberland
	In addition, the Department is involved with its regional partners in the planning or funding of the following major projects. Progress and timing for these schemes will be subject to regional advice, the future availability of finance and individual projects representing value for money:
	(a) The Houghton and Washington East Constituency
	Sunderland Central Route.
	(b) The Wearside area
	As above.
	(c) The North East Region
	North Middlesbrough Accessibility Improvement Scheme
	Darlington Eastern Transport Corridor
	Wheatley Hill to Bowburn, Durham
	Northern Gateway, North Tyneside
	A1 Adderstone to Belford Dualling, Northumberland
	A1 Morpeth to Felton Dualling, Northumberland
	A19 Seaton Burn Junction Improvement, North Tyneside
	A19 Testos Junction Improvement, South Tyneside
	A69 Haydon Bridge Bypass
	A1 West Mains to Bridge Mill Dualling, Northumberland
	A1 Gateshead/Newcastle Western Bypass Widening
	A19 Moor Farm Junction Improvement, Northumberland
	A19 Coast Road Junction Improvement, North Tyneside
	A66 Bowes Bypass Dualling, Durham
	A66 Cross Lanes to Greta Bridge Dualling, Durham
	In addition to the above, there are further schemes which are identified in the draft Regional Spatial Strategy recently submitted to Ministers and which are emerging through Local Transport Plans and the on-going development of the trunk road and rail networks, which will be considered in due course but which have no degree of funding commitment at this stage.

Transport Security Directorate

Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many (a) full-time and (b) part-time staff are assigned to the Transport Security Directorate.

Stephen Ladyman: The Transport Security and Contingencies Directorate (TRANSEC) currently comprises 200 posts. As at 1 November 2005 TRANSEC had eight staff working on a part-time basis (less than normal full-time hours).

Vehicle Licensing

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what procedures are in place for local authorities to be able to cross-check details with (a) the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency and (b) the police when neither the recipient of a penalty notice, nor their vehicle, has been in the vicinity of the relevant local authority area.

Stephen Ladyman: Regulations provide for the release of vehicle keeper details to the police and to local authorities for purposes connected with the investigation of an offence or decriminalised parking contravention. Local authorities can apply without charge for the keeper at the date of event in writing or by completing a DVLA form. A number of local authorities have access to the DVLA data electronically either directly or through service providers. The police can also apply on a case-by-case basis and receive daily up-dates from DVLA for the Police National Computer.
	The recipient of the penalty notice would be required to satisfy the local authority by providing evidence that he or she was not responsible for the offence. This would be a matter for the local authority concerned. It would always be open to the local authority to contact the police on a case by case basis if it was established that there were two vehicles carrying the same registration mark. In these circumstances the recipient of the penalty notice should also notify the police and DVLA of the issue.

Violence against Transport Personnel

Anne Milton: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Hertsmere of 28 June 2005, Official Report, columns 14212W, on violence against transport personnel, how many bus drivers and conductors were the victims of offences of violence while on duty in Surrey in each of the last 10 years.

Karen Buck: The following table shows the number of incidents, of work-related violence to bus drivers which caused a physical injury (defined as absence from work lasting more than over three days) reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities under the Reporting of Injuries, Dangerous Diseases and Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.
	No fatal injuries to bus drivers, or fatal and non-fatal injuries to bus conductors, were reported to HSE in Surrey during the period.
	
		
			  Local authority(12) 
			 Severity of injury Guildford Mole Valley Reigate and Banstead 
		
		
			 199697
			 Non-fatal major injury 1   
			 Over-3-day injury  1 2 
			 All reported injuries 1 1 2 
			 
			 199798
			 Non-fatal major injury
			 Over-3-day injury
			 All reported injuries
			 
			 199899
			 Non-fatal major injury
			 Over-3-day injury
			 All reported injuries
			 
			 19992000
			 Non-fatal major injury
			 Over-3-day injury
			 All reported injuries
			 
			 200001
			 Non-fatal major injury
			 Over-3-day injury
			 All reported injuries
			 
			 200102
			 Non-fatal major injury
			 Over-3-day injury
			 All reported injuries
			 
			 200203
			 Non-fatal major injury
			 Over-3-day injury
			 All reported injuries
			 
			 200304
			 Non-fatal major injury
			 Over-3-day injury 1  2 
			 All reported injuries 1  2 
			 Total 2 1 4 
		
	
	(12) Other local authorities in Surrey reported no incidents.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Age Discrimination

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what steps he is taking to ensure there is no discrimination in the provision of goods and services on the grounds of age.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government are currently considering the case for outlawing discrimination in the provision of goods and services on the grounds of age as part of its Discrimination Law Review, which was announced earlier this year. The Review's findings will inform the Single Equality Bill, which it intends to introduce during the lifetime of the Parliament, in line with manifesto commitments.

Alternative Energy Provision

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research and development funding has been made available by his Department to (a) wind energy, (b) tidal stream, (c) tidal lagoon, (d) biomass, (e) wave power, (f) photovoltaics, (g) solar and (h) solar hot water systems in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Malcolm Wicks: Funding made available for research and development by the Department into renewable technologies is not pre-allocated on a technology type basis. The primary mechanism for applying for research and development funding is through the technology call process whereby each application is treated on its individual merits along with the others that have responded to that particular technology call.
	In addition the Research Councils have supported further research relating to energy in the work of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, which has some 10 million funding from Research Councils over 200005, and in the work of the UK Energy Research Centre, which commenced operation in 2004, with a budget of 13 million for 200409.
	The DTI spend on research and development for new and renewable technologies can be found in the following table.
	
		DTI new and renewable energy programmeexternal spend for each technology area by financial year from 19992000 
		
			 Rounded to nearest 000 
			  Spend 
			 Programme area 19992000 200001 200102 200203 200304 200405 
		
		
			 Solar 1,278,000 1,264,000 1,522,000 4,485,000 3,131,000 1,970,340 
			 Tidal 0 27,000 305,000 1,996,000 2,914,000 1,268,530 
			 Wave 11,000 331,000 662,000 748,000 2,104,000  
			 Wind 801,000 913,000 1,248,000 1,428,000 1,395,000 1,459,600 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. From 200001, figures do not include spend on contracts placed direct by DTI
	2. For 200405, the figure for tidal is a combined spend for the wave and tidal.
	
		Research Council spend
		
			 Research area 19992000 200001 200102 200203 200304 200405 
		
		
			 Wind 178,000 261,000 330,000 490,000 482,000 256,000 
			 Wave and tidal 175,000 301,000 606,000 617,000 830,000 1,050,000 
			 Biomass 736,000 601,000 701,000 783,000 1,043,000 1,186,000 
			 Biofuel 0 22,000 52,000 144,000 135,000 92,000 
			 Photovoltaic 2,760,000 2,992,000 3,536,000 2,770,000 2,381,000 2,762,000 
			 Solar 1,076,000 1,134,000 1,130,000 1,157,000 1,453,000 1,753,000

BREEAM98

Alan Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of (a) new building work and (b) refurbishment of buildings of (i) his Department and (ii) agencies of his Department has been subject to environment assessment using BREEAM and BREEAM98 since May 1997.

Alan Johnson: Since May 1997, my Department has not carried out any new building work. Any refurbishments works carried out in this period have not involved changes to building structures and services for which a BREEAM assessment would be appropriate.
	In 1996 a BREEAM assessment was undertaken as part of the major refurbishment of 1 Victoria Street when it achieved a very good rating.
	Letter from Ron Marchant to Mr. Alan Reid, dated 9 November 2005
	I am responding to this parliamentary question, tabled on 20 October 2005. No refurbishment or new building work undertaken at the Patent Office since May 1997 has been subject to environmental assessment using BREEAM andBREEAM98.
	Letter from Iain MacGregor to Mr. Alan Reid, dated 9 November 2005
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply on behalf of the National Weights and Measures Laboratory (NWML) to your question regarding what percentage of (a) new building work, and (b) refurbishment of buildings of DTI agencies has been subject to environment assessment using BREEAM and BREEAM98 since May 1997.
	NWML rents the building at Teddington from DTI. The answer already given to you by DTI Headquarters will have covered any building works completed here at NWML.
	Letter from Jeanne Spinks to Mr. Alan Reid, dated 9 November 2005
	You asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what percentage of (a) new building work and (b) refurbishment of buildings of (i) his Department and (ii) agencies of his Department has been subject to environment assessment using BREEAM and BREEAM98 since May 1997.
	Since May 1997 this Agency has not carried out any new building work. Any refurbishment works carried out in this period have not involved changes to building structures and services for which a BREEAM assessment would be appropriate.
	Letter from Desmond Flynn to Mr. Alan Reid, dated 9 November 2005
	The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has asked me to reply to you directly on behalf of The Insolvency Service in respect of your question (1344/2005) asking about our use of BREEAM and BREEAM98 assessments of our new building work and refurbishments since 1997.
	We have undertaken no new building work since 1997. Our refurbishment work in the period has only been concerned with redecoration and partitions removals and has therefore has not been considered appropriate for BREEAM assessment.
	Letter from Claire Clancy to Mr. Alan Reid, dated 9 November 2005
	I am responding to your recently tabled Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry on behalf of Companies House, which is an Executive Agency of the DTI.
	Companies House has not carried out any new building work or refurbishment of buildings using BREEAM or BREEAM98.

British Summer Time

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if Her Majesty's Government will accept the recommendation of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for a three year pilot of single/double summer time to establish whether lighter evenings all year round will reduce road casualties.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The last experiment with lighter evenings between 1968 and 1971 proved to be unpopular and was abandoned following a vote in Parliament. The Government have no plans to introduce another pilot of single/double summertime.

British Summer Time

David Kidney: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on the effects on accidents at work of turning back the clocks each October.

Gerry Sutcliffe: I am not aware of any recent specific research on the effects on accidents at work of turning back the clocks each October.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent estimate the Government have made of the carbon dioxide emissions produced by the building, maintenance and decommissioning of a tidal power station over (a) 10, (b) 20 and (c) 50 years; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: The carbon dioxide emissions produced by the building, maintenance and decommissioning of a tidal power station will vary on a case-by-case basis.

Carbon Management Programme

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether his Department will sign up to the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management programme.

Malcolm Wicks: DTI HQ estate engaged with the Carbon Trust framework on Carbon Management in 2004 at which time the Carbon Trust undertook a survey of the estate to:
	(a) promote energy saving efficiency awareness with DTI building occupants, and,
	(b) to conduct a survey of DTI HQ buildings and plant to identify where, with investment, energy efficiencies could be made.
	As a result of this the Department has reviewed the findings and has developed proposals for the estate infrastructure to improve energy efficiency.
	The Department will be including the Carbon Trust carbon management 'five stage' approach within its estate strategy to meet its commitment to achieving the energy targets and Part L of the building regulations .

Clear Skies Programme

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many community projects receiving funding under his Department's Clear Skies programme.

Malcolm Wicks: 333 Community projects are receiving grant support under the Clear Skies Programme.

Clear Skies Programme

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans he has for ensuring continuity of support for school and other community projects under his Department's Clear Skies programme.

Malcolm Wicks: A new low carbon buildings programme will continue to offer grant support to school and community projects once the current Clear Skies Programme comes to an end. The new programme will begin in April 2006, subject to EU State Aids approval. My Department is also looking to work in partnership with major private sector players in the energy field in order to expand the micro generation sector, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy technologies on schools.

Clear Skies Programme

Colin Challen: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what funding will be available for school (a) hot water, (b) wind, (c) biomass and (d) ground-source heat pump projects after the final deadline for applications to his Department's Clear Skies programme.

Malcolm Wicks: Further funding for schools will be available through a low carbon buildings programme, which will allow developers to chose the most appropriate technology for each project, including all those mentioned above. The new programme will begin in April 2006, subject to EU State Aids approval. The Department is also looking to work in partnership with major private sector players in the energy field in order to expand the micro generation sector, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy technologies on schools.

Departmental Policies

Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as closely as possible to Gateshead, East and Washington, West constituency, the effects in Gateshead, East and Washington, West of changes to his Department's policies since 1997.

Alun Michael: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has, since 1997, introduced a range of policies which:
	Foster science and innovation,
	Champion business in Government, Europe and across the world,
	Raise UK productivity and promote high performance workplaces,
	Build flexible labour markets,
	Ensure that citizens' and employees rights are protected,
	Increase consumer choice by opening up markets to fair competition,
	Ensure that all our regions and nations contribute fully to the UK's economic performance,
	Deliver, and plan for the future delivery of, secure and sustainable energy.
	Since 1997 the Department has applied policies which have resulted in there being some 300,000 more businesses than in 1997. We have made life easier for business by cutting corporation tax, simplifying VAT registration and setting the highest VAT threshold in Europe. We have simplified company law and introduced reforms removing the preferential creditor status of the Crown, freeing up 70 million more each year for business. The Company Law Reform Bill will generate deregulatory benefits of some 250 million a year (including 100 million for small companies), and we are pursuing a 1 billion deregulatory target over the lifetime of our five year programme.
	In 2001 we undertook a review of our direct business support measures and subsequently introduced a range of streamlined and simplified products, which include grants and loans for capital investment and research and development, knowledge transfer, and support for the implementation of best practice. The annual business support measures budget is some 400 million, and many of the DTI services have been delivered through strong and effective regional development agencies since their creation in 1999.
	Recognising the importance of manufacturing to the UK economy, the DTI launched its Manufacturing Strategy in 2002. The strategy sets out the actions needed to create a high value, high skill manufacturing sector capable of introducing new products and processes into our economy, creating new markets, and delivering a huge boost to our prosperity. The Manufacturing Advisory Service, which provides expert advice to manufacturers, has to date generated over 155 million of added value for UK firms.
	The DTI is working to significantly strengthen the links between higher education and industry, and will continue to build on the UK's outstanding science base. Between 1997 and 2007, the science budget will have more than doubled, rising to 3.3 billion.
	The Department seeks to work closely with all our stakeholders. We have introduced independent members to the DTI board, enabling us to function better with input from business people, trade unionists, academics and others.
	Although the policies and initiatives mentioned above have benefited individuals, businesses and communities in every part of the United Kingdom, it is not possible to quantify precisely all of the benefits accruing directly to individual constituencies.

Energy Shortages/Supplies

Gregory Barker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contingency plans he has in place to respond to possible energy shortages in (a) industry and (b) domestic homes this winter; and what forecast he has for energy usage in the next 20 years.

Malcolm Wicks: National Grid's Winter Outlook report shows that under normal weather conditions there are sufficient gas supplies and electricity generation to meet demand.
	Under much worse than normal winter weather, or if unexpected major problems are experienced on the supply side, it may be necessary for large industrial users to restrain demand for gas. Much of this can be done through the electricity generating industry switching to coal or other fuels. In a competitive market such as that in the UK we would expect this to take place on a commercial basis in response to price signals indicating tightness in the gas market.
	Ministers are liaising with both Ofgem and National Grid to ensure that all possible measures are taken to anticipate problems with power supply in the highly unlikely event of the market being unable to balance supply and demand in this way.
	Under all credible scenarios, however, the market will be able to deliver energy supplies to domestic consumers.
	Projections of future energy usage up to 2020 can be found in annex 4 of: http://www.dti.gov.uk/energy/sepn/uep_addendum.pdf

Energy Shortages/Supplies

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions he has had with EU partners on the security of energy supplies.

Malcolm Wicks: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have had extensive discussions with EU partners, including member states, the European Commission and European Parliament, on a range of energy issues, including security of energy supplies.

Energy Shortages/Supplies

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had (a) with Ministerial colleagues and (b) others about the security of the UK's energy supply.

Malcolm Wicks: I refer the hon. Member to the answer my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State gave on 3 November 2005, Official Report, column 949.

Gas Suppliers

John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what contingency plans the Department has to ensure the continued supply of gas in the event of a domestic gas supplier ceasing to trade.

Malcolm Wicks: Since the implementation of the Utilities Act 2000 licensing schemes and standard licence conditions in October 2001, Ofgem has had the power to appoint a Supplier of Last Resort (SoLR) for all customers, domestic and non-domestic, in both the gas and electricity markets. This power is essential to ensure that all of a failed supplier's customers have continuity of supply.
	Under the current licence conditions Ofgem can require any licensed gas supplier to become a SoLR and take the responsibility for supplying gas to customers of another supplier whose licence has been revoked. For customers whose annual consumption is reasonably expected to be less than 73,200 kWh the authority can direct a supplier to be a SoLR. For customers whose annual consumption is reasonably expected to be between 73,200 kWh and 2,196,000 kWh the authority can only direct a supplier to be a SoLR with that supplier's consent. There is no provision for appointing a SoLR (by consent or otherwise) for customers whose annual consumption is reasonably expected to be more than 2,196,000 kWh.
	Once appointed, a SoLR will initially be supplying the customer on a deemed contract. This deemed contract will cover the period from appointment until customers have agreed a replacement contract with the SoLR or another supplier of their choice. There are licence obligations to ensure that the prices charged under a deemed contract are not excessive. A SoLR's deemed contract must also allow for its termination when the customer chooses to take a supply from another supplier.

Fuel Poverty

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many people he estimates were living in fuel poverty in each of the last five years; what estimate he has made of the numbers in 200506; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Wicks: Figures for the number of households in fuel poverty in England are produced from analysis of the English House Condition Survey. From 2003, the survey is being carried out on a continuous rolling basis. Prior to 2001, however, this survey was conducted on a five-yearly basis. Hence, the number of households in fuel poverty is not available for all of the last five years. The figures for 2001 and 2003 are available, with an estimate being available for 2002. These statistics are detailed in the following table:
	
		Million
		
			  Total number of households in fuel poverty Total number of vulnerable households in fuel poverty 
		
		
			 2001 1.7 1.4 
			 2002 (estimate) 1.4 1.2 
			 2003 1.2 1.0 
		
	
	Fuel poverty statistics for the United Kingdom are published in the UK Fuel Poverty Annual Progress Report.
	Analysis of the overall effects of changes in fuel prices and incomes, excluding consideration of energy efficiency improvements, suggests that the total number of vulnerable households in fuel poverty is likely to rise by between 200,000 and 800,000 households in England between 2003 and 2006. This is based on a range of price and income assumptions published by the DTI in July 2005.

Internet

Mark Lazarowicz: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what his policy is on the governing and administration of the internet.

Alun Michael: DTI is actively engaged with key players in the provision of internet services in the UK. Our approach to the administration of the internet has been to rely on self-regulation informed by a continuing dialogue on public policy issuessuch as spam and child pornographywhere Government and business can and do effectively work in partnership prevent or end abuse. The take-up and innovative use of broadband in the UK compares favourably with other leading industrial countries and reinforces the value of this approach.
	The international aspects of governing and administering the internet is a key issue currently under discussion for the World Summit on the Information Society, due to take place in Tunis from 1618 November
	The EU position, which I shall present on behalf of the UK as presidency of the Council of the European Union, is defined by the Council conclusions of 27 June. We recognise that the United States Government carry out their key role fairly and effectively, but that a number of countries would want a more multilateral involvement in what they see as key internet infrastructure. We recognise the need to show the international accountability of the system. This is why the EU is advocating a new cooperation model, building on existing structures to assure all countries that the system continues to be managed in an open, transparent and accountable manner.

Mine Reserves Services Ltd.

Paddy Tipping: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent discussions he has had with the local authority about further financial support to Mines Reserve Services Ltd., in its role as a provider of the statutory Mines Reserve Scheme, for (a) 200607 and (b) 200708.

Malcolm Wicks: The Coal Authority has provided 5 million of support to Mines Rescue Services Ltd. over the last two years using unexpected gains from the sale of property assets inherited from British Coal. It appears unlikely at this stage, however, that further gains will emerge to enable such funding this year or in the future.

Powergen

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on recent mistakes made by Powergen in billing customers; and what discussions he plans to have with the company to consider the implications of the billing problems.

Malcolm Wicks: holding answer 8 November 2005
	I understand that Powergen's recent errors in billing some of its customers arose from its introduction of a single billing system across its operations. The migration of former customers of TXU Energi, which has now been completed, was the cause of particular difficulties affecting customers in Eastern England. Energywatch, which is responsible for investigating complaints against gas and electricity suppliers, is currently exploring with Powergen both any further action required to address billing errors and the company's proposals for dealing with customers who have been distressed or inconvenienced by those errors.

Smart Meters

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry pursuant to the Answer of 17 October 2005, Official Report, columns 79697W on smart meters, what is involved in the work being undertaken by officials from his Department, Ofgem and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on a market framework and cost/benefit analysis; and when he expects the group will report.

Malcolm Wicks: My officials, working closely with Ofgem and Defra, are currently assessing the market framework for metering in the UK. Ofgem are currently undertaking an analysis of the costs/benefits of different kinds of innovative metering options, focusing on what evidence there is to support possible benefits and looking at what lessons can be learned from international experience in markets such as Italy and California. Their analysis will be completed by the end of the year.

St. George's Day

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Government will take steps to introduce an official national holiday on St. George's Day.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The present pattern of bank holidays in the United Kingdom is well established and accepted, and the Government have no plans to change the arrangements.

Working Time Directive

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the effects on UK business of the EU's Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement.

Gerry Sutcliffe: The Government published a Compliance Cost Assessment (CCA) of the predicted effect of the EU Working Time Directive on UK business with Explanatory Memorandum 13526/98 on 11 January 1999.
	The Department has also commissioned and published five research reports on the effects of the Working Time Directive, in its Employment Relations Research Series. A summary of Departmental monitoring and evaluation of the Working Time Regulations can be found in Employment relations monitoring and evaluation plan 2005 (No. 44, July 2005).
	The European Parliament and Council of Ministers are currently debating proposals from the Commission to amend the Working Time Directive. The Government has published two initial Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) of the predicted effect of the proposed Directive on UK business. The most recent was submitted on 12 July 2005, following Explanatory Memorandum 9554/05.

LEADER OF THE HOUSE

Petrol Allowance

Tom Brake: To ask the Leader of the House how many hon. Members claimed the petrol allowance in the last year for which figures are available; and how much each of the 10 highest claimers claimed:

Geoff Hoon: 591 Members claimed a total of 3.73 million in motor mileage allowance in the 200405 financial year. The amounts claimed by each of the top 10 highest claimers were as follows:
	22,845.01
	22,034.80
	17,876.48
	17.822.65
	17.581.58
	17,317.35
	16,185.36
	14,703.52
	14.247.12
	14,016.46
	In 200405 the motor mileage allowance was paid as follows:
	up to 20,000 miles per year at the rate of 57.7p per mile;
	over 20,000 at 26.6p per mile.
	For 200506 this rate has been reduced to a rate of 40p for the first 10,000 miles and 25p per mile thereafter.

SCOTLAND

Carbon Management Programme

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his Department will sign up to the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management programme.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office subscribes to the environmental policies adopted by the Department for Constitutional Affairs. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Constitutional Affairs, on 7 November 2005, Official Report, column 162W.

IT Projects

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many IT projects have been developed for his Department since 2001; and whether he has agreed to make public Gateway reviews for these projects (a) in full and (b) in part.

David Cairns: The Scotland Office's IT systems and support are provided by the Scottish Executive. There have been only two IT projects specific to the Scotland Office since 2001, both of which centred on the redevelopment of websites. As both projects were relatively small, neither was subject to a Gateway review.

CABINET OFFICE

Better Regulation Taskforce

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the Better Regulation Task Force's analysis of the extent of regulation faced by voluntary and community organisations.

Jim Murphy: The Better Regulation Task Force is an independent body, set up to advise Government on action to ensure that regulation and its enforcement comply with the five principles of good regulation.
	My hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office (Paul Goggins), has agreed to act as sponsor Minister for this report and will prepare a formal reply from the Government within the specified 60 days.
	The Government welcomes the report which contains a number of helpful recommendations on ways to improve the regulatory climate in which the voluntary and community sector operates.

Senior Civil Service

John Bercow: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the representation in the senior civil service of (a) women, (b) people with disabilities and (c) ethnic minorities in 200405.

Jim Murphy: The civil service has already made good progress in increasing diversity at senior levelsmeeting its targets to double the proportion of women in top management posts, from 12.7 per cent. in 1998 to 25.5 per cent. in 2005, and staff from minority ethnic backgrounds in the senior civil service (SCS), from 1.6 per cent. (1998) to 3.2 per cent. (2005). The civil service did not achieve the 2005 targets of 35 per cent. of women in the SCS and 3 per cent. for disabled staff in the SCS but still made significant progress, from 17.8 per cent. (1998) to 29.1 per cent. (2005) and from 1.5 per cent. (1998) to 2.3 per cent. (2005) respectively. Delivering A Diverse Civil ServiceA 10-Point Plan, launched on 1 November 2005, commits to 10 key areas of change to lead broader change across the service in the way we manage and value equality and diversity at all levels, in all aspects of our business.

WALES

Departmental Consultation

Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list formal consultations being sponsored by his Department; and what the (a) commencement date and (b) deadline for responses is in each case.

Peter Hain: None at present.

Poultry Cull (Avian Influenza)

Roger Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the likely economic consequences of a large-scale cull of poultry in Wales following an avian influenza outbreak.

Peter Hain: I have regular meetings with the Assembly's First Minister to discuss a variety of issues of which a possible outbreak of avian influenza in Wales is one.
	The Assembly Government have worked closely with the poultry industry in Wales to develop its contingency plan. This plan will enable Wales to play its part in delivering a swift and seamless response to any 'bird flu' outbreak and ensure that the Assembly Government are taking the necessary measures to achieve this aim.
	Government's present assessment is that the likelihood of further geographical spread across the world is high. This in turn increases the risk to the UK as it increases the opportunities for the introduction of the virus via migrating birds, trade in live birds and movement of people. Government are continuing to monitor developments closely and is also working with the poultry industry to minimise the risk of the disease entering the UK and address the impact on the industry if an outbreak does occur.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Asylum and Immigration

George Mudie: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time was between the receipt of an appeal by his Department's appeal processing centre and the despatch of that appeal to the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal in the last period for which figures are available.

Andy Burnham: Since 4 April 2005 appeals have been lodged direct with the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT). They are then forwarded to the Appeals Processing Centre to prepare the appeal bundle.
	Data are unavailable for appeals lodged prior to 4 April 2005 and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost by examination of individual case records.
	For appeals lodged after 4 April 2005 the average processing times are as follows:
	Asylum appeals: 4.3 days
	In-country immigration appeals: 17.8 days.

Asylum and Immigration

Phyllis Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department which regions of Somalia are deemed by his Department to be safe for returned failed asylum seekers.

Tony McNulty: The safety or otherwise of a particular part of Somalia for a particular claimant will depend on the individual circumstances of that claimant. We do not make a generalised assessment of safety irrespective of the individual circumstances.
	All Somali asylum and human rights applications are considered by the Home Office on their individual merits, in accordance with our obligations under the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Each application is considered against the background of the latest available information about the situation in the country of origin. These sources include intergovernmental organisations, governmental sources and human rights organisations. Full account is taken of the ability of the individual concerned to safely reside in other parts of Somalia. caseworkers have access to the Somalia Country report produced by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's (IND) Country of Origin Information Service as well as the Somalia Operational Guidance Note which assesses the most common types of asylum claims received and the circumstances in which they are likely to prove well founded or unfounded. Both documents are published on the IND website.
	The Government firmly believe that the right approach is to continue to carefully assess the protection needs of individuals on an individual basis. Returns are similarly taken forward on a case by case basis and we only enforce the return of an individual where we are satisfied that the person concerned will not be at risk and has been unsuccessful in any appeals against the decision in their particular case.

Asylum and Immigration

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) pregnant women, (b) single mothers with young babies, (c) single adults with young children and (d) families are in receipt of National Asylum Support Service section 4 support.

Tony McNulty: The information requested is not recorded centrally and could be obtained only by an examination of individual case records. Families with children represent only a small fraction of the total on section 4 support. Failed asylum seekers who have children in their household generally retain access to regular NASS support provided under section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and have no need to seek section 4 support. Access to section 95 support is only usually lost if they fail to comply with removal directions or fail to take steps to leave the United Kingdom voluntarily and therefore fall to be considered under the provisions of section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc) Act 2004.

Asylum and Immigration

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what support is available for failed asylum seekers with mental health problems.

Tony McNulty: The general position is that failed asylum seekers are no longer entitled to access free NHS healthcare. This does not prevent failed asylum seekers being sectioned under Mental Health legislation or receiving after-sectioning care. Failed asylum seekers who have been discharged from compulsory detention under the Mental Health Act 1983 are entitled to receive continuing residential support in the community. Failed asylum seekers with mental health problems, identified as in need of care and attention as a result of being destitute, may be supported by the local authority under the National Assistance Act 1948.

Colombia (Drug Traffickers)

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to stop drug traffickers from Colombia selling drugs in the UK.

Paul Goggins: UK law enforcement authorities work closely with their international colleagues in Colombia, and in other countries along the supply route, in order to reduce the amount of cocaine trafficked into the UK. From 1 April next year this task will become the responsibility of the newly formed Serious Organised Crime Agency.
	In 200304 23 tonnes of cocaine which was destined for consumption in the UK was taken out of the supply chain and 175 organised crime groups responsible for supplying class A drugs to the UK were disrupted or dismantled.

Correspondence

Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration will respond to the letter of 19 September from the hon. Member for Banbury regarding Miranda Alia, Ref No A1034158.

Tony McNulty: My hon. Friend, the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, (Andy Burnham) wrote to the hon. Member on 12 October.

Criminal Cases Review Commission

Claire Curtis-Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many investigating officers were appointed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission during the period from 31 March 2003 to 31 March 2004; and how many cases were investigated during this period.

Fiona Mactaggart: As at 31 March 2004 the Criminal Cases Review Commission had 47 case review managers (CRMs) in post. Two CRMs were appointed between 1 April 2003 and 31 March 2004 and there were five departures. During the period, 901 cases were completed and 885 new cases were received. The Commission also appointed five investigating officers under section 19 of the Criminal Appeal Act 1995 between 31 March 2003 and 31 March 2004 to investigate six cases. There was also one ongoing investigation in the same period which involved one investigating officer investigating three cases.

Diplomatic Immunity

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list offences committed in the UK in 2004 by persons holding diplomatic immunity, broken down by nationality.

Jack Straw: I have been asked to reply.
	I shall issue a written statement within this parliamentary Session, which will contain a list of offences allegedly committed by persons holding diplomatic immunity in the UK in 2004. The list will not be broken down by nationality because disclosure of this information could damage our relations with the countries concerned and affect their willingness to cooperate with us in future when dealing with alleged offenders.

Forensic Science Service

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress towards the Forensic Science Service becoming a public-private partnership.

Andy Burnham: The Government's intention is that the Forensic Science Service will become a Government-owned company in December 2005. A public-private partnership remains an option for the future, and no irrevocable decision about the future status of the organisation will be taken before December 2006.

Forensic Science Service

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on progress with the transformation of the Forensic Science Service from a trading fund to a wholly owned Government company.

Andy Burnham: The target date for vesting as a government-owned company remains December 2005.

Identity Cards

Ben Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what he expects the cost of the registration and issuing of a biometric passport and biometric identity card to be.

Tony McNulty: The current best estimate for the unit cost of an adult passport/ID card package for UK citizens valid for 10 years is 93. The actual amount charged to a person will depend on future policy decisions on charging within the scope allowed by the Identity Cards Bill.

Illegal Immigrants

John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his most recent estimate is of the number of people living illegally in the United Kingdom (a) through overstaying visas, (b) as illegal immigrants and (c) as failed asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement.

Tony McNulty: No government has ever been able to produce an accurate figure for the number of people who are in the country illegally. By its very nature it is impossible to quantify accurately, and that remains the case.
	Although it is impossible to determine accurately how many people are in the UK illegally the Home Office published a report which included an estimate of the size of the illegal migrant population in the UK in 2001. A copy of the RDS On-line report 29/05Sizing the unauthorised (illegal) migrant population in the United Kingdom in 2001 can be found at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/notes/june_summaries.html

It's Your Call Campaign

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department 
	(1)  how many police forces have introduced an It's Your Call Campaign; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  what assessment has been made of the It's Your Call Campaign; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: It's Your Call campaigns have been introduced in 47 areas around the country. It has been for the individual area to decide on how the It's the Call service should be implemented and which of the services might take the lead for responding to the initial call. This initiative is part of the commitment made by Action Areas to raise levels of action and to make services more accessible to the public. The campaign seeks to encourage the community to play their part in reporting antisocial behaviour and for feedback to be communicated on the actions taken.
	An early evaluation of the campaign focused on callers from eight of the first 25 areas showed that the campaign had been a success. Four out of five callers (82 per cent.) would recommend it to a friend or neighbour and two thirds (66 per cent.) had their problem resolved after just one call. Nearly three in five (57 per cent.) said they were satisfied with this new service.
	The 'It's Your Call Antisocial Behaviour Hotline Evaluation Survey' can be found by visiting the TOGETHER website at www.together.gov.uk.

Knife Crime

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many violent knife crimes were recorded in each year since 1997 in (a) Northamptonshire and (b) England; and how many led to convictions.

Hazel Blears: The information requested is not collected centrally. Violent crimes involving the use of a knife cannot be separately identified in the recorded crime statistics.

Police

Anne McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Ogmore of 10 October 2005, Official Report, column 168W, on police force structures, what guidance he has given to chief officers and police authorities on the criteria they should adhere to in drawing up proposals for the restructuring of police forces.

Hazel Blears: The Home Secretary wrote to all Chief Officers and Chairs of Police Authorities on 22 September to set out his views on the development of options for force restructuring. The letter outlined the key design criteria which forces and authorities should consider when developing options for force restructuring. The criteria is outlined in the table.
	To complement these criteria and to support the development of proposals for change, a toolkit and guidance to help forces with evaluating options for change has been sent to all forces and authorities.
	The Home Secretary's letter, the criteria and the toolkit and guidance are available on the Home Office website.
	
		
			 Criteria Description 
		
		
			 Size To what extent do the proposals for restructuring create units of sufficient size (the HMIC report gave an indicative figure of a minimum of 4,000 officers, 6,000 total staff) to provide the necessary capacity and resilience in the provision of protective services to meet both current and future demands for such services? 
			 Mix of capability Mix of capabilityand reduction in risks- to what extent do the prospective partnerships bring together forces with complementary strengths in addressing volume crime and the provision of protective services? To what extent will they enable performance in relation to both to be improved? 
			 Criminal markets To what extent do the proposals take cognisance of the underlying criminal markets and patterns of cross-boarder criminality in the areas concerned? 
			 Geography To what extent do the proposals recognise and take account of particular challenges posed by the geography of the proposed force area and the transport links and worrying patterns within it? 
			 Co-terminosity To what extent do the proposals respect established political and partners boundaries or, alternatively, support the case for the realignment of the boundaries of other partner agencies so that the benefits of co-terminosity can be preserved? The very strong starting presumption will be that any new force areas should not subdivide an existing force area between two or more new forces and that the new forces areas should not cross Government office regional boundaries (it follows that very compelling arguments would need to be submitted in support of any merger proposals which went contrary to these presumptions). 
			 Identity To what extent do the proposals build on strong historical or regional identities? 
			 Clarity of command and control and accountability To what extent are the proposed governance arrangements for any new entity clear and unambiguous. 
			 Performance To what extent do the proposals for restructuring minimise any risks to current performance during the transitional period and support further improvements in performance over the medium-term? (assessments under this heading should be made against the statutory performance indicators). 
			 Costs and efficiency To what extent will the proposals minimise the cost of change and maximise efficiency savings?

Police

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why the grant to West Mercia police authority on a per head of population basis differs from the neighbouring police authority areas.

Hazel Blears: Government general funding for police authorities is based on the relative need of each police authority area for police services, calculated by the police funding formula. To identify the pressures satisfactorily, the formula uses a range of socio-economic indicators. Funding is not, and never has been, distributed on a simple per capita basis.

Seatbelts (Fixed Penalties)

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fixed penalty notices were issued for (a) carrying a child under 14 years without a seatbelt (i) in the front and (ii) in the rear seat, (b) driving a car with an unrestrained child under 12 years and (c) failure to wear a seatbelt in the Humberside police area in each of the past five years.

Paul Goggins: Available information held centrally on police action taken for motoring seat belt offences, does not distinguish between the offence of driving/riding in a motor vehicle not wearing a seat belt and that of driving a motor vehicle with a child not wearing seat belt. Nor does it distinguish between individual circumstances that may have existed at the time each offence was committed.

Primates

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many primates have been used for biomedical tests in the United Kingdom in each of the last five years.

Andy Burnham: The number of primates used in procedures for which the primary purpose was applied studies in human medicine or dentistry is given in Table 1a of the annual publication Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals, a copy of which is in the Library.
	Only the number of procedures starting in a particular year is recorded against that particular year; the figures exclude procedures which started in a previous year and are ongoing.
	A brief extract from this table, showing also total figures, is shown in the table.
	
		Number
		
			  Non-human primates which started regulated procedures under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Applied studies in human medicine or dentistry 
		
		
			 1999 3,191 2,740 
			 2000 2,951 2,473 
			 2001 3,342 2,511 
			 2002 3,173 2,649 
			 2003 3,073 2,191

Road Accidents

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people involved in road traffic accidents in the Humberside police area were (a) uninsured, (b) banned from driving and (c) had not passed a driving test in each of the past five years.

Paul Goggins: The information is not collected centrally by the Home Office.

Road Accidents

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action the Government are taking to reduce the number of road accidents.

Stephen Ladyman: I have been asked to reply.
	In March 2000, the Government launched the road safety strategy, Tomorrow's roadssafer for everyone, establishing new long-term 10 year casualty reduction targets to be achieved by the end of 2010. These are:
	a 40 per cent. reduction in the number of people killed or seriously injured (KSI)
	a 50 per cent. reduction in the number of child (under 16) KSIs
	a 10 per cent. reduction in the rate of slight casualties, expressed as the number of people slightly injured per 100 million vehicle kilometres
	(compared with the average for 199498).
	The Department for Transport has a road safety public service agreement (PSA) target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured and children killed or seriously injured as outlined above. In 2002 the PSA target was strengthened to include a commitment to
	tackling the higher incidence of casualties among disadvantaged communities.
	The first review of the road safety strategy was published in April 2004 and concluded that good progress was being made. It highlighted issues of particular concern, such as the levelling out of road deaths and the potential under reporting of slight casualties. The Department for Transport has commissioned research to investigate both of these issues. The second review of the strategy will commence in spring 2006.
	A comprehensive Road Safety Bill is currently progressing through the House of Lords, to give effect to several elements of the road safety strategy and support the casualty reduction targets.
	There is continued good progress towards our targets. Full 2004 data (published 29 September 2005) show KSI casualties 28 per cent. down on the 199498 baseline, and child KSIs down 43 per cent. 2004 saw the biggest annual drop (8 per cent.) in both deaths and serious injuries since the road safety strategy was launched. Provisional data for Q2 2005 show a continuing decline in KSIs, down 33 per cent. on baseline.

Road Accidents

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many deaths of children aged seven to 16 years there were on 30 miles per hour limit roads in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Ladyman: I have been asked to reply.
	The number of children aged seven to 16 years killed in personal injury road accidents between 1997 and 2004 on roads where the speed limit was 30 miles per hour are shown in the table.
	
		
			  Number of fatalities 
		
		
			 1997 111 
			 1998 82 
			 1999 89 
			 2000 98 
			 2001 110 
			 2002 78 
			 2003 81 
			 2004 75 
		
	
	We remain committed to achieving our PSA targets of a 40 per cent. reduction in the overall number of people killed or seriously injured compared with the 199498 baseline by 2010; and our target of reducing the number of children aged 015 killed or seriously injured to 50 per cent. of the 199498 baseline by 2010. In 2004 all killed and seriously injured casualties were 28 per cent. below the baseline and such child casualties were 43 per cent. below the baseline.

Telecommunications Masts

Stephen Crabb: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the suitability of the location of the Tetra mast in Haverfordwest; and if he will make a statement.

Hazel Blears: None. The provision of the infrastructure needed by the airwave radio system is the responsibility of O 2 Airwave, the network provider. Radio masts are subject to ODPM planning regulations.

Vehicle Excise Duty Evasion

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were convicted of vehicle excise duty evasion in each of the last six years.

Paul Goggins: holding answer 3 November 2005
	Available information taken from the Home Office Court Proceedings Database from 1998 to 2003 (latest available) is given in the following table. 2004 data will be available early in 2006.
	
		Total findings of guilt at all courts for the vehicle offence of failing to pay appropriate duty(13) England and Wales, 19982003
		
			 Number of offence 
			  England and Wales 
		
		
			 1998 143,600 
			 1999 126,657 
			 2000 132,776 
			 2001 129,183 
			 2002 134,598 
			 2003 176,581 
		
	
	(13) Offence under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 s. 29 (1)(3)
	Note:
	The statistics of court proceedings are based on returns made by the police to the Home Office's Data Collection Group. Although these include offences where there have been no police involvement such as those prosecutions instigated by Government Departments (in this case DVLA) and private organisations and individuals, the reporting of these types of offences is known to be incomplete. Moreover, it is thought that for some police force areas, the reporting of court proceedings, in particular those relating to motoring offences and to TV licence evasion may also be less than complete; the extent of under-reporting may vary from year to year and this could be responsible in part for the annual variations.

Vehicle Offences

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many recorded theft and unauthorised taking of vehicle offences there were in the Humberside police area in each of the past five years.

Paul Goggins: The information requested is given in the following tables.
	
		Table 1: Offences of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle recorded by the police in Humberside200001 and 200102
		
			  Number of offences 
		
		
			 200001 6,033 
			 200102 6,469 
		
	
	Note:
	The data in this table is prior to the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard. These figures are not directly comparable with those for later years.
	
		Table 2: Offences of theft or unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle recorded by the police in Humberside200203 to 200405
		
			  Number of offences 
		
		
			 200203 7,607 
			 200304 7,619 
			 200405 6,096 
		
	
	Note:
	The data in this table takes account of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002. These figures are not directly comparable with those for earlier years.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Amicus v. The Government

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects a decision by the European Court of Justice in the case being brought by Amicus against the Government.

Stephen Timms: It is difficult to predict with any certainty when judgment in this case may be given. However, from our experience of other cases, we would expect a decision in 2007. The timing is, of course, dependent on the court's handling of the case, and the timing of each case can vary.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects the Financial Assistance Scheme to become fully operational; and if he will make a statement.

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when he expects payments to be made for those eligible for support under the Financial Assistance Scheme.

Stephen Timms: The Financial Assistance Scheme Operational Unit opened for business on 1 September. The Unit is currently receiving scheme information during the notification period which concludes on 28 February 2006. As my right hon. Friend the former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Member for Sheffield, Brightside (Mr. Blunkett) said in a written answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) on 31 October 2005, Official Report, column 610, we hope to make the first payments before Christmas.

Hemel Hempstead

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency, (b) Dacorum and (c) Lancashire who have lost their pensions due to firm insolvency since 1997.

Stephen Timms: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 October 2005, Official Report, column 461W to the hon. Member for Coventry, South (Mr. Cunningham).

Incapacity Benefit

Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many incapacity benefit claimants of working age receive (a) income support with a disability premium, (b) incapacity benefit and (c) severe disablement allowance; and how many did so in May 1997.

James Plaskitt: The information is in the table.
	
		Numbers of working age claimants of incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, and income support with a disability premium, by benefit combination at dates shown
		
			  May 
			  1997 2005 
		
		
			 Incapacity benefit only 1,730,800 1,614,500 
			 Incapacity benefit and income support 550,300 867,200 
			 Income support only 106,400 116,200 
			 Severe disability allowance only 144,200 76,200 
			 Severe disability allowance and income support 199,200 183,400 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Figures are rounded to the nearest hundred. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
	2. 5 per cent. IB/SDA figures have been rated up to match 100 per cent. WPLS totals for working age IB/SDA.
	3. Income support includes only those income support claims that include a disability premium.
	Source:
	DWP Information Directorate, combination of Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) and 5 per cent. data.

Jobcentre Contracts

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the effect of the reduction in the number of referrals in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire on job centre contracts for re-training for those seeking work.

Margaret Hodge: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Lesley Strathie to Mr. David Drew, dated 9 November 2005
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the effect of the reduction in the number of referrals in Gloucestershire and Wiltshire on Jobcentre contracts for re-training and those still seeking work. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The reduction in referrals reflects lower numbers of customers on Jobseeker's Allowance (down 11.3% since April 2001) and the increased focus on programmes for our most disadvantaged customers.
	We have sought to improve the effectiveness of our contracting processes to ensure we deliver improved results. As a result contracts were only extended where performance was satisfactory and there was a clear business need or mandatory requirement for the provision. In the Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Swindon district all but one contract was extended beyond April 2005. All New Deal customers who wish to access Jobcentre Plus funded training are able to do so.
	I hope this is helpful.

Jobseeker's Allowance

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what was the average time taken in England to process a claim for jobseeker's allowance in the last period for which figures are available; and what the target is.

Margaret Hodge: holding answer 28 October 2005
	The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to the hon. Member.
	Letter from Lesley Strathie to Annette Brooke, dated 9 November 2005
	The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the average time taken to process a claim to Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
	The latest available data is to the end of September 2005. This shows that on average, a claim to JSA takes 15.4 days to process in England against a target of 12 days.
	The time taken to process a claim is calculated from the date of first contact with the customer; or the first day of the customer's unemployment, to the date when a decision or payment notification is issued to the customer. It also includes a period where the claim might be awaiting further supporting evidence form the customer.

Link-Age Pilots

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which of the Link-Age pilots offer information on care options.

Stephen Timms: The first phase of Link-Age has concentrated on increasing benefit take-up by older people, including pension credit, housing benefit, council tax benefit and attendance allowance. The second phase will include Link-Age Plus pilots, based on Sure Start principles. These pilots will provide a comprehensive information service which will include care options. The pilots will commence next year. In addition, the initial pilot of Individual Budgets for care will commence by the end of 2005, with further pilots beginning next year.

Pension Commission

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with the Pension Commission; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: Ministers have discussions from time to time with the Pensions Commissioners on issues within their remit.
	The Commission is due to publish its final report on 30 November. This will provide an independent view of the long term pensions challenges posed by increasing longevity and an ageing society.
	We will wish to analyse the evidence and consider any options and recommendations put forward by the Commission before making our response. We expect that response to set out proposals for reform and set an ambitious pace for any timetable for consultation and legislative change.

Pension Credit

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the number of pensioners (a) entitled to and (b) receiving pension credit; and if he will make a statement.

Malcolm Rifkind: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what his latest estimate is of the number of pensioners who are entitled to pension credit but who are not claiming it.

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will make a statement on the take-up of pension credit since it was introduced.

Stephen Timms: Information on numbers of households and individuals in receipt of pension credit at 30 June 2005 is contained in the most recent quarterly pension credit progress report published on 20 October. A copy of the report is available in the Library.
	It is becoming clear that the number of people who are eligible for pension credit is less than the initial estimate. National statistics showing the number of pensioners entitled to pension credit in the first six months after its introduction and the subsequent take-up rate are expected to be available in December. The precise date of release of these statistics and the publication plans for the following set, covering 200405, will be pre-announced in National Statistics Updates; the diary of statistical releases.

Pension Credit

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether he expects pension credit to be up-rated in line with earnings after 2008; and if he will make a statement.

Stephen Timms: The Government have given an undertaking to increase the guarantee credit in line with earnings up to March 2008 ensuring that pensioners are sharing in the nation's rising prosperity. Ministers have not yet announced a policy on up-rating of pension credit after this date.

Pension Credit

Nigel Waterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people received pension credit in (a) March and (b) June.

Stephen Timms: The information available is in the following table.
	
		Pension credit recipients in Great Britain
		
			  Individuals Households 
		
		
			 March 2005 3,288,600 2,704,800 
			 June 2005 3,291,300 2,705,900 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Caseloads are rounded to the nearest hundred.
	2. Pension credit (PC) replaced minimum income guarantee (MIG) on 6 October 2003. Existing MIG recipients were automatically converted onto pension credit on that date (assuming they still met the eligibility criteria).
	3. Data from the generalised matching service (GMS) 100 per cent. scans taken on 18 March 2005 and 10 June 2005. All figures have been rated up to give month-end estimates.
	4. These figures are early estimates. Operational processing times mean that a number of claim commencements and terminations are not reflected in the figures. The final figures incorporated within the Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study (WPLS) will take account of such cases.
	5. Beneficiaries figures include a small number of partners under the age of 60.
	Source:
	Information Directorate 100 per cent. data

Pensions

Nigel Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of people in (a) Ribble Valley and (b) Lancashire who have lost their pensions due to firm insolvency since 1997.

Stephen Timms: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to the hon. Member for Coventry, South (Jim Cunningham) on 26 October 2005, Official Report, column 461W.

Pensions

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will re-open negotiations on reciprocal agreements with those countries where they are not already in place to provide for the annual up-rating in line with inflation of pensions paid to UK pensioners living in such countries.

Stephen Timms: The UK state pension is payable in all countries abroad to those who are entitled to it. It is up-rated in the normal way for UK pensioners living overseas where there is a legal requirement or a reciprocal social security agreement to do so. To bring everyone up to the current rate they would receive if they had remained in the UK, but not to pay arrears, would cost around 400 million in 200506.
	The Government focus resources on helping the least well off pensioners in the UK. We have no plans to negotiate further agreements.

Pensions

Shona McIsaac: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people in each constituency in the Yorkshire and Humber region received a state pension in each of the past three years.

Stephen Timms: The number of State Pension recipients in each constituency within the Yorkshire and Humber Government Office Region as at 31 May for the years shown is in the table.
	
		Thousand
		
			  2003 2004 2005 
		
		
			 Barnsley, Central 13.8 14.0 14.1 
			 Barnsley, East and Mexborough 16.0 16.0 16.2 
			 Barnsley, West and Penistone 16.1 16.3 16.6 
			 Batley and Spen 13.8 14.0 14.1 
			 Beverley and Holderness 19.8 20.3 20.8 
			 Bradford, North 13.8 13.7 13.7 
			 Bradford, South 14.7 14.7 14.7 
			 Bradford, West 12.5 12.5 12.3 
			 Brigg and Goole 16.8 17.1 17.5 
			 Calder Valley 17.3 17.5 17.6 
			 City of York 18.4 18.3 18.2 
			 Cleethorpes 18.3 18.7 19.1 
			 Colne Valley 16.8 17.1 17.4 
			 Dewsbury 13.7 13.8 13.8 
			 Doncaster, Central 16.6 16.6 16.5 
			 Doncaster, North 14.9 15.1 15.1 
			 Don Valley 16.5 16.8 17.0 
			 East Yorkshire 22.0 22.6 23.2 
			 Elmet 18.1 18.5 18.8 
			 Great Grimsby 15.0 15.1 15.1 
			 Halifax 16.4 16.4 16.4 
			 Haltemprice and Howden 18.5 18.9 19.4 
			 Harrogate and Knaresborough 17.8 17.8 17.9 
			 Hemsworth 15.9 16.3 16.6 
			 Huddersfield 15.0 15.0 15.0 
			 Keighley 17.6 17.8 17.8 
			 Kingston upon Hull, East 15.7 15.7 15.6 
			 Kingston upon Hull, North 12.5 12.6 12.6 
			 Kingston upon Hull, West and Hessle 15.2 15.0 15.0 
			 Leeds, Central 13.1 12.7 12.4 
			 Leeds, East 13.3 13.4 13.2 
			 Leeds, North East 15.8 15.7 15.7 
			 Leeds, North West 14.7 14.7 14.6 
			 Leeds, West 13.2 13.2 13.0 
			 Morley and Rothwell 15.8 16.0 16.2 
			 Normanton 14.4 14.7 14.8 
			 Pontefract and Castleford 15.0 15.0 15.1 
			 Pudsey 17.2 17.2 17.5 
			 Richmond (Yorkshire) 17.7 18.2 18.7 
			 Rother Valley 16.0 16.2 16.7 
			 Rotherham 13.5 13.7 13.7 
			 Ryedale 20.8 21.1 21.5 
			 Scarborough and Whitby 22.4 22.7 22.9 
			 Scunthorpe 14.9 15.2 15.3 
			 Selby 17.7 18.1 18.4 
			 Sheffield, Attercliffe 17.4 17.5 17.6 
			 Sheffield, Brightside 13.2 13.1 13.0 
			 Sheffield, Central 12.2 12.0 11.8 
			 Sheffield, Hallam 14.4 14.5 14.6 
			 Sheffield, Heeley 16.8 16.8 16.9 
			 Sheffield, Hillsborough 18.2 18.7 19.0 
			 Shipley 17.5 17.7 17.8 
			 Skipton and Ripon 21.1 21.4 21.8 
			 Vale of York 19.3 19.7 20.2 
			 Wakefield 16.1 16.4 16.7 
			 Wentworth 15.6 15.8 16.1 
			 Yorkshire and the Humber Government Office Region 907.0 915.5 923.3 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest hundred and are shown in thousands.
	2. Totals may not sum due to rounding.
	3. Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant Office for National Statistics postcode directory.
	Source:
	DWP Information DirectorateWork and Pensions Longitudinal Study (100 per cent. data)

DEFENCE

Afloat Craft

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the construction of the military afloat reach and sustainability craft overseas; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The military afloat reach and sustainability project has recently entered the assessment phase and it is therefore too early to say what the final designs and specifications for these vessels might be and where the work will be carried out. We will use the assessment phase to look into the potential options, taking into account best value for money and wider industrial factors, before any decisions are made at the main gate investment point.

Aircraft Carriers

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether the in-service dates for the two future aircraft carriers remain 2012 and 2015 respectively.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 3 November 2005
	As for all projects, in-service dates (ISDs) are not set until the main investment decision. The time scale parameters for the Future Aircraft Carrier (CVF) will continue to be refined and will be confirmed following the project's main investment decision, which will be taken when we have a proper understanding of the risks, costs and contractual framework.

Angola

Andrew Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the suitability of Angola for overseas military training.

Adam Ingram: HQ Land has made a general appreciation of a number of African countries for overseas training, including Angola. A further detailed assessment is not required at present.

Armed Forces

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) people from Northern Ireland and (b) citizens of the Republic of Ireland are serving in the UK armed forces.

Don Touhig: The number of 'British' and 'Republic of Ireland' nationals in the Armed Forces are shown as follows. Nationality figures are unavailable below United Kingdom level for the Naval Service and RAF. For Army personnel, figures for personnel declaring nationality of 'British/N. Ireland' are also shown. However, this only includes NI personnel who are recorded as such and excludes those that may be from NI, but recorded as 'British'.
	
		
			 Service British Of which recorded as British/N. Ireland Republic of Ireland 
		
		
			 Naval Service(14) 39,010  60 
			 Army(15) 100,860 2,005 210 
			 Royal Air Force(16) 50,520  60 
		
	
	(14) Naval Service data are provided by AFPAA as data are not centrally held by DASA. Data are for personnel serving at 3 October 2005. Data are for UK Regular Forces (trained and untrained) including Nursing Services, FTRS and activated reservists.
	(15) Army data are provided by DASA for personnel serving at 1 September 2005. Data are for UK Regular Forces (trained and untrained), including Nursing Services and excluding Full Time Reserve Service personnel, Gurkhas, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised reservists.
	(16) RAF data are provided by AFPAA as data are not centrally held by DASA. Data are for personnel serving as at 16 September 2005. Data are for UK Regular Forces (trained and untrained) including Nursing Services, FTRS and activated reservists.
	Source:
	DASA (Tri-Service)

Armed Forces

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what number of army recruits successfully completed Phase II training in each of the past four years; and what percentage that represents of their cohort recruited at Phase I entry level.

Don Touhig: Records do not exist in the format requested due to the variety in the length, type and location of Phase II training to which members of the same Phase I cohort group may be assigned.
	The following table covers the last four financial years and shows the numbers entering training and the numbers leaving training as trained soldiers. They do not necessarily relate to the same cohort group and therefore direct comparison of the two figures could be misleading.
	
		Regular army soldiers
		
			 Financial year Untrained intake Outflow from untrained to trained strength 
		
		
			 200102 13,510 8,870 
			 200203 15,070 10,150 
			 200304 13,820 10,390 
			 200405 10,620 8,950 
		
	
	Notes:
	1. UK Regular Forces includes nursing services but excludes full-time reserve service personnel, Gurkhas, the Home Service battalions of the Royal Irish Regiment and mobilised Reservists.
	2. Figures include those that have just completed their training and are therefore transferring to the trained strength.
	3. All figures have been rounded to the nearest 10.

Bowman

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the bandwidth is of Bowman at each of its levels of deployment.

Adam Ingram: The bandwidth of the Bowman tactical communications and information system depends on the type of equipment deployed. The very high frequency radio works in the 3087.975 MHz frequency band; its theoretical bandwidth is 16 kbps. The high frequency radio works in the 1.830 MHz frequency band; its maximum bandwidth is 9.6 kbps, and depends on the quality of the communications link. The high-capacity data radio works in the 225400 MHz frequency band; its data bandwidth is up to 500 kbps, but it automatically adapts this to suit the quality of the communications link and the distances between radios. Voice and data communications within vehicles, and between vehicles grouped in headquarters, is provided by using standard 10/100 mbps Ethernet interfaces.

Buffalo Armoured Vehicle

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department is evaluating the USA Buffalo armoured vehicle; and whether his Department plans to introduce this vehicle for work against roadside explosive devices.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence has carried out a broad assessment of the Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle but has no current plans to procure it for use by United Kingdom forces.

Civilian Staff (Redundancies)

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civilian staff employed by his Department in Northern Ireland have been made redundant in each year since 1998.

Don Touhig: holding answer 7 November 2005
	The following table gives details of Ministry of Defence civilian redundancies, both voluntary and compulsory, for the financial years 19992000 to 200405. Comparable information for financial year 199899 is not available.
	
		Civilian staff redundancy Northern Ireland: Financial years 19992000 to 200405
		
			 Financial year Headcount 
		
		
			 19992000 10 
			 200001 20 
			 200102 10 
			 200203  
			 200304 30 
			 200405 10 
		
	
	''denotes 5 or less.
	Notes:
	1. This table uses the revised definition of civilian personnel (www.dasa.mod.uk) and includes trading funds.
	2. No redundancy information is available for Royal Fleet Auxiliary or locally engaged civilian staff.
	3. Due to the rounding methods used, figures are rounded to the nearest 10, numbers ending in 5 have been rounded to the nearest 20 to prevent systematic bias.

Complaints Mechanisms

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what his target is for completion of his review of monitoring of the formal and informal complaints mechanisms employed by the Army.

Don Touhig: The Redress of Complaints trial officially began in October 2004 and it is expected that the results will be reported to the Army Board in January 2006. Informal complaints mechanisms are not included in this trial and are not currently subject to specific review.

Defence Export Service Organisation

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total administrative cost was of the Defence Export Service Organisation in 200405; and what the projected equivalent figure is for 200506.

Adam Ingram: Net operating costs for the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) for the last and current financial years are as follows:
	
		
			 Financial year Net operating costs ( million) 
		
		
			 200405 Outturn 16.922 
			 200506 Forecast 14.365 
		
	
	The costs of DESO are more than offset by benefits to the Defence budget arising from defence exports.

Defence Export Service Organisation

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many members of staff of the Defence Export Services Organisation are seconded from industry; and what functions such staff perform.

Adam Ingram: The Head of Defence Export Services was recruited by open competition from the defence industry, and is working on contract to the Ministry of Defence.
	In addition, on 1 November one member of the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) was on secondment from a defence company, of which he remains an employee. The secondee performs duties as required in one of the DESO Regional Directorates.

Departmental Expenditure

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to note 20 of his Department's Annual Report and Accounts 200405, if he will list the capital commitments that have been contracted for but not yet provided.

Adam Ingram: The capital commitments figure in Note 20 of the Departmental Resource Accounts represents the aggregate estimated value of contracts, across the Department, for work that has not yet been undertaken and, therefore, has not been provided for in the accounts. The following list, of all commitments over 100 million each, represents 18,571 million (90.8 per cent. of the total of 20,446 million quoted in Note 20).
	
		
			  000 
		
		
			 Typhoon Production 5,171,069 
			 A400M (heavy lift aircraft) 2,048,300 
			 Support Vehicles 1,065,635 
			 T45 Destroyer 1,044,179 
			 Typhoon Development 1,042,728 
			 Joint Combat Aircraft 900,000 
			 Bowman (communications system) 774,323 
			 Investment at AWE 724,657 
			 Nimrod MRA4 (multi-role aircraft) 717,953 
			 BVRAAM (air to air missile) 644,000 
			 PAAMS (missile system) 605,686 
			 Astute (submarine) 457,153 
			 Stingray (torpedo) 288,654 
			 Infantry Anti-Tank guided weapon 259,573 
			 NLAW (light anti-armour weapon) 259,067 
			 Swiftsure and Trafalgar (update) Final Phase (submarine) 251,771 
			 HMS Victorious 232,803 
			 Terrier (earth moving vehicle) 231,230 
			 Sea Wolf Block 2 228,369 
			 Brimstone (anti-armour weapon) 203,245 
			 HVM Missiles 188,574 
			 ASTOR (radar system) 177,847 
			 Building to house laser system 159,500 
			 Wheeled Tanker 154,449 
			 Future Command and Liaison Vehicle 144,838 
			 Sea Wolf midlife update 132,395 
			 Trojan and Titan (armoured vehicles) 130,590 
			 Precision Guided Bomb 124,467 
			 Soothsayer (communications) 108,083 
			 Single Living Accommodation 100,000 
		
	
	There are a further 302 smaller commitments, some as little as 1,000, details of which are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Employee Reductions

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many full-time equivalent employee reductions have been made in his Department as a result of the Gershon review; what cost savings relating to IT projects have been achieved; what value of efficiency savings (a) were achieved in 200405 and (b) are expected to be achieved in 200506; and if he will make a statement.

Don Touhig: holding answer 7 November 2005
	In 200405 there was a reduction of 2,460 full-time equivalent military personnel and 1,230 full-time equivalent civilian personnel as a consequence of the Department's efficiency programme. The latter excludes operational locally employed civilians, whose numbers increased by 650.
	Further progress on both manpower reductions and wider efficiency savings will be reported in the Department's autumn performance report. However, while the department has an efficiency target for 200708, there is no intermediate target for 200506.
	The Defence Communications Services Agency delivered 84 million of IT/IS related efficiencies in 200405. Other savings in the departmental efficiency programme will also have been enabled by IT, but information is not held on the amounts involved.

Equality and Diversity Centre (Shrivenham)

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the courses organised since October 2004 at the Joint Equality and Diversity Centre at Shrivenham; and what the attendance was on each course.

Don Touhig: Between 1 November 2004 and 4 November 2005 Joint Equality and Diversity Training Centre delivered 36 x five-day Equal Opportunities Advisers Courses to 843 middle-ranking personnel from the three Armed Services and the Ministry of Defence Civil Service. In addition, 149 Senior Civil Servants and Military Officers at Brigadier (and equivalent) level and above attended one of 11 one-day Equality and Diversity Seminars held at Shrivenham.

Fraud Investigations

Joan Humble: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence at how many (a) barracks and (b) other army sites personnel have been (i) investigated and (ii) suspended in relation to investigations into fraud by the Special Investigations Branch in the last 12 months.

Adam Ingram: In the last 12 months to 31 October 2005 the Royal Military Police Special Investigation Branch has carried out a total of 238 investigations into alleged offences which involve some element of fraud. The geographical breakdown of the investigations could be provided only at disproportionate cost. Information about the suspension of soldiers is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. No officers have been suspended in the period.

FRES

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the likely in-service date is of the FRES; and what the cost of the system has been to date.

Adam Ingram: The in-service date will not be formally endorsed until the main investment decision, but our current planning assumption is that the early variants of FRES will be introduced into service early in the next decade, with a phased approach to achieving full operational capability thereafter.
	FRES is currently in its initial assessment phase; the total expenditure to date is approximately 25 million.

FRES

Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the Future Rapid Effect System.

Adam Ingram: The Future Rapid Effect System is in the initial assessment phase. The broad aims of this phase are to further define the FRES capability and develop a series of affordable options for meeting the requirement; to develop optimum procurement and support strategies for future phases and to manage technology and supplier risk to acceptable levels.

Hemel Hempstead (Funding)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding was allocated by his Department to Hemel Hempstead constituency for (a) capital projects and (b) revenue funding in each of the last eight years.

Don Touhig: The Ministry of Defence's funding for capital projects in 200506 is 795,000. There were no capital projects during the years 199899 to 200405. Revenue costs for the eight years are estimated to be in the range of 75,000 to 100,000 per annum.
	More precise figures are not available centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Illegal Drugs (RN Seizures)

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what quantity of illegal drugs has been seized by the Royal Navy in each of the last five years, broken down by (a) type of drug and (b) location of seizure.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 November 2005
	Detailed historical information concerning quantities and types of drugs seized in the Caribbean by Royal Navy units is temporarily unavailable due to hurricane damage at the Joint Inter Agency Task Force South (JIATFS) in Key West, Florida. Available details on major seizures are outlined as follows.
	
		
			  Royal Navy unit Location Amount Drug 
		
		
			 July 2001 HMS Coventry Caribbean (80 million) Cocaine 
			 July 2002 HMS Newcastle Caribbean (1.5 million) Marijuana 
			  HMS Newcastle Caribbean (42 million) Cocaine 
			 September 2002 HMS Grafton Caribbean (1 million) Marijuana 
			 October 2002 HMS Grafton Caribbean (65 million) Cocaine 
			 May 2003 HMS Cumberland SW Approaches 3.5 tonnes Cocaine 
			 June 2003 HMS Iron Duke Caribbean 3.7 tonnes Cocaine 
			  
			 Caribbean seizures since March 2005: 
			 May 2005 RFA Wave Knight Eastern Caribbean 163 kg Cocaine 
			  HMS Liverpool Near St. Lucia (E Caribbean) 170 kg Marijuana 
			 June 2005 HMS Liverpool Near Barbados (E Caribbean) 68 kg Marijuana 
			 October 2005 HMS Cumberland Western Caribbean 1.9 tonnes Cocaine 
		
	
	I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible with the full details.

Illegal Drugs (RN Seizures)

Philip Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence to what extent the Royal Navy co-ordinates its work on seizing illegal drugs with other navies.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 November 2005
	HM Revenue and Customs are the lead United Kingdom agency for counter-drug operations. Co-operation with other navies and other nations customs services is co-ordinated through HMR and C.

Iraq

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the role and function of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq is a US military organisation based in Baghdad that oversees security sector reform across Iraq. It comprises three main components: the Coalition Military Assistance Training Team (CMATT), which helps recruit, train, and equip the Iraqi Armed Forces (IAF) and provides ongoing mentoring; the Joint Headquarters Advisory Support Team (JHAST), which assists the Joint Headquarters of the IAF; and the Civilian Police Assistance Training Team (CPATT), which organises, trains, equips and mentors the Iraqi Civilian Police Forces, border enforcement forces and monitors, advises and certifies the Facilities Protection Service Forces. Its mission is to assist the Iraqi Government in the development, organisation, training, equipping, and sustainment of Iraqi Security Forces.

Iraq

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the average absent without leave rate is among NATO-trained Iraqi forces; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: There are no NATO-trained Iraqi forces.

Iraq

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how many requests for provision of armoured Land Rovers from commanders on the ground in Multi National Division (South East) in Iraq have been received by his Department in the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement;
	(2)  how many armoured Land Rovers have been donated to Iraqi security forces by the UK Government since January 2004; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Requests for the provision of military vehicles are submitted through the chain of command. There are no records of requests for any uplift in establishment figures, but 13 requests have been received for the replacement of armoured Land Rovers damaged or destroyed in Multi National Division (South East) over the past year.
	As at 31 October 2005, the Iraqi Police Service in MND(SE) had taken receipt of 59 refurbished Land Rovers donated under the auspices of Project OSIRIS, the security sector reform project which aims to re-equip the Iraqi security forces with the vehicles, infrastructure and equipment they require to undertake security themselves. These Land Rovers are of a type not operated by UK forces. The Iraqi Army and Department for Border Enforcement are not receiving Land Rovers, but they are receiving other vehicles.

Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) Programme

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the likely value of the contract awarded to Swan Hunter to convert the final ship in the Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) programme into a hospital ship.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence has not placed any contract with Swan Hunter to convert a Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) into a hospital ship.

Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) Programme

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has paid compensation to BAE Systems in settlement of claims made by BAE Systems from Swan Hunter for delays in the delivery of design information as part of the Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) programme.

Adam Ingram: No claims have been made by BAE Systems against Swan Hunter. The Ministry of Defence has made payments to BAE Systems for delay and dislocation costs associated with the Landing Ship Dock (Auxiliary) project. This is as a result of the delays to their build programme as a consequence of the late delivery of design information and equipment.

Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) Programme

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to transfer design authority for the Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) vessels from Swan Hunter to BAE Systems following his decision to award lead ship status to the BAE-built vessel, Mounts Bay.

Adam Ingram: Swan Hunter remains the design authority for the LSD(A) vessels.

Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) Programme

Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to award a through-life support contract for the Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) vessels to Swan Hunter.

Adam Ingram: The future support strategy for Landing Ships Dock (Auxiliary) vessels is under consideration. We are currently engaging with industry to develop proposals for contracting on a through-life support basis, but the process is in its early stages.

Married Quarters

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the impact the Defence Estate's rationalisation programme will have on the married quarters estate in terms of (a) disposals and (b) a requirement for new stock.

Don Touhig: The Ministry of Defence's rationalisation programme is coordinated by the Defence Estates agency whose responsibilities include the management of the Service Families Accommodation stock. Numbers of personnel and location will determine the timing and location of disposals, new build and acquisitions.

Nuclear Deterrent

Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursaunt to the answer of 20 October 2005, Official Report, column 1217W, on Trident, whether he expects to take the decision on the replacement of Trident within the next six months; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 3 November 2005, Official Report, column 126263W, to the hon. Member for New Forest, East (Dr. Lewis).

Nuclear Deterrent

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of the defence budget has been spent on the nuclear deterrent in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 November 2005
	The annual proportion of the defence budget spent on capital and running costs of the United Kingdom independent nuclear deterrent in each year since 1997 has ranged between 2 and 4 per cent.

Nuclear Deterrent

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the practicability of air-launched Cruise missiles as an alternative to a submarine-launched nuclear deterrent system.

John Reid: No decisions on any replacement for Trident have yet been taken. Initial preparatory work is being undertaken by officials on possible options for the future of the UK's nuclear deterrent beyond the current planned life of the Trident system. However, Ministers have not yet begun to consider the position on this issue in any detail. It is therefore premature to speculate on the merits of any particular option.

Nuclear Deterrent

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he expects to discuss the future of the British nuclear deterrent with his United States counterpart.

John Reid: Discussions with my United States counterpart cover a wide range of issues. Nuclear deterrence is of course one element of our continuing dialogue.

Nuron Programme

Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department is in negotiation with the French Government in order to participate in the Nuron programme.

Adam Ingram: No.

Reverse Auction

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what spending programmes he intends to complete by reverse auction in financial year 200607.

Adam Ingram: Decisions on which spending programmes the Ministry of Defence will complete by reverse auction are not taken centrally and there is no central programme of reverse auctions for financial year 200607.

Reverse Auction

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what level of authorisation is required to complete a spending programme by reverse auction; by what criteria reverse auction is determined to be appropriate; whether any projects have been completed by reverse auction which did not meet these criteria; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: Reverse auctions are considered as a routine competitive procurement process by the Ministry of Defence and internal departments, such as Integrated Project Teams, are encouraged to utilise them wherever they are appropriate. Authorisation to use a reverse auction is provided in accordance with the MOD's delegated investment approvals processes.
	Reverse auctions are normally appropriate where there is an effective field of competition and a robust specification. The likely return on the investment of the cost of the auction is also taken into account. The use of, or type of, reverse auction employed may also be determined by the likely impact on long-term value for money.
	No reverse auctions have been committed to where these criteria were known to be invalid. However, there have been a small number of cases where effective competition was later demonstrated not to be present; but in all these cases the projects have remained affordable and produced acceptable outcomes for the Department.

Royal Ordnance

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions his Department has had with Royal Ordnance on the closure of the Chorley site; and if he will place in the Library the minutes of the meetings held.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 November 2005
	A number of meetings were held between BAES Land Systems and Ministry of Defence on their proposed closure of the Chorley site. The aim of these meetings was to ensure continued security of supply and value for money for the MOD. The documental records are of a commercial nature and as such their release would be contrary to the commercial interests of the MOD and BAES Land Systems.

Royal Ordnance

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the implications of the proposed closure of the Chorley Royal Ordnance on security of supply.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 November 2005
	I am aware that BAE Systems Land Systems have made an announcement regarding the closure of manufacturing operations at their Chorley site. We are confident in the BAE Systems Land Systems continuing ability to maintain security of supply in light of the closure of manufacturing operations at their Chorley site.

Royal Ordnance

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is stored at Heapey Magazine facility owned by Royal Ordnance.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 November 2005
	The Heapey magazine facility is part of BAE Systems Land Systems. Storage at the facility is a matter for the company.

Royal Ordnance

Lindsay Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the security arrangements are for the Royal Ordnance Heapey storage facility in relation to (a) armed response, (b) CCTV and (c) movement of explosives.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 7 November 2005
	The Heapey magazine facility is part of BAE Systems Land Systems. The security of the facility is a matter for the company.

Scottish Constituencies' Statistics

Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether it is his policy to provide statistics relating to Scottish constituencies in terms of (a) Westminster and (b) Scottish parliamentary boundaries.

Don Touhig: Statistics are provided on both Westminster and Scottish parliamentary boundaries wherever underlying data is available at a sufficiently detailed level.
	Statistics are currently published at local authority level and can be found in Tri Service Publication 10, UK Regular Forces Distribution Across the UK, published quarterly. This publication is available in the House of Commons Library and on http://www.dasa.mod.uk/

Spectrum Review

Derek Wyatt: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what contribution the Department has made to the Cave Review of Public Sector Spectrum Holdings; what assessment he has made of the potential for (a) increasing efficiency in the Department's use of the radio spectrum and (b) sharing spectrum with other organisations; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: The Ministry of Defence has been fully engaged in the Independent Audit of Major Public Sector Spectrum Holdings led by Professor Martin Cave.
	The MOD is striving to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency in the use of the radio spectrum it manages. The potential for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Department's use of the radio spectrum and the potential for MOD to share more of its spectrum bands with other organisations is continuously reviewed.

Tomahawk Missile

Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Royal Navy vessels which (a) are fitted and (b) are scheduled to be fitted with Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Adam Ingram: holding answer 8 November 2005
	HMS Spartan, HMS Trafalgar, HMS Turbulent, HMS Trenchant and HMS Triumph are capable of launching Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM).
	HMS Sceptre, HMS Tireless, HMS Talent, HMS Torbay and the submarines of the Astute class are also programmed to receive the capability.

Type-23 Frigates

Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 26 October 2005, Official Report, column 37W, on the D530 Mark 2 naval gun, what defence Type 23 frigates have against fast-attack craft until the gun is fitted; and if he will make a statement.

Adam Ingram: As a defence against fast attack craft, Type 23 Frigates are currently equipped with two permanently mounted DS30B manually operated 30mm Gun Systems, an outfit of pedestal mounted General Purpose Machine Guns and, dependant on whether the ship is deployed to a high threat area, two M323 7.62mm Gatling Miniguns. These arrangements will be further enhanced by the fitting of the DS30M Mark 2 Automated Small Calibre Gun.

Typhoon Fighter Plane

Lynne Featherstone: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the total cost was of his trip in July to discuss the sale of BAE Systems' Typhoon fighter planes to the Saudi Arabian defence forces; and if he will make a statement.

John Reid: I visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shortly after my appointment as Defence Secretary to discuss a wide range of bilateral and multilateral defence and security issues, including Counter-Terrorism and Developments in the Middle East. En route I met with and was briefed by Commander British Forces (Cyprus). The total cost of this visit (including the operational visit to Cyprus) is estimated to have been around 45,000.

Urban Warfare Training

Michael Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 
	(1)  how much time was spent on urban warfare training for infantry units in (a) 2003 and (b) the last 12 months;
	(2)  how many infantry battalions have received urban warfare training in the last 12 months.

Adam Ingram: I can confirm that elements of 38 of the 40 Army Infantry battalions have received urban warfare training since October 2004. Two battalions did not undertake such training owing to operational commitments but will do so in the forthcoming months.
	A certain amount of urban warfare training is organised on an individual unit basis by each of the Infantry battalions and records are not held centrally. Details of the time spent on such training during (a) 2003 and (b) the last 12 months could, therefore, be provided only at a disproportionate cost.

CULTURE MEDIA AND SPORT

Athletics

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps she is taking to encourage children in (a) Romford and (b) Greater London to participate in athletics; and what funds have been allocated for such purposes.

Richard Caborn: The Government's National School Sport Strategy aims to increase participation in physical education and sport in schools, which includes athletics. The national strategy is being delivered through the national network of school sport partnerships. The overall aim is that by 2006, 75 per cent. of pupils in partnerships spend a minimum of least two hours each week on high quality PE and sport.
	Schools in the constituency of Romford are linked to three school sport partnerships. These are Coopers Company and Coborn school sport partnership, Davenant Foundation school sport partnership, and Emerson Park school sport partnership.
	Coopers Company and Coborn school sport partnership has to date received a total of 853,627, with a further 618,280 pending. Davenant Foundation school sport partnership has to date received a total of 446,156, with a further 89,518 pending. Emerson Park school sport partnership has to date received 324,403, with a further 413,250 pending.
	Essex county sports partnership has a target to make 11 links between school partnerships in their area and athletics clubs, and has been provided 18,000 to support the development of these links.
	Information from the latest national survey of school sport partnerships shows that 91 per cent. of all schools provided athletics during the 200405 academic year. 33 per cent. of schools had links with athletics clubs.
	Information for Greater London is not held in the format requested.
	The results of the survey were published in September and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Departmental Policies

Fraser Kemp: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to Houghton and Washington, East constituency, the effects on Houghton and Washington, East of her Department's policies and actions since 2 May 1997.

David Lammy: The Department's aim is to improve the quality of life for everyone through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries. The Department's policies and actions have had a significant impact on Houghton and Washington, East since 2 May 1997.
	In 2002 we launched the first ever comprehensive national physical education, school sport and club links strategy with an investment of 459 million. A further 519 million was announced by the Prime Minister for the strategy in December 2004. In addition, the Government have provided funding for 3,000 Community Sports Coaches to be in place across England and Wales by the end of 2006. As a result of this investment the following initiatives have been implemented in Houghton and Washington, East.
	There are two School Sports Partnerships in Houghton and Washington, EastBiddick and Houghton Kepier. The 200405 school sport survey showed that 78 per cent. of pupils in Biddick and 76 per cent. of pupils from Houghton Kepier received two hours of high quality PE and out of hours school sport during the academic year. In addition, 14 per cent. of pupils from Biddick and 7 per cent. from Houghton Kepier have been actively involved in sports volunteering in the same period and 27 per cent. from Houghton Kepier and 17 per cent. from Biddick have participated in community sports activities through school club links.
	Through the Community Sports Coach scheme a full time health and fitness coach will start at the beginning of December to deliver after school sessions to partnerships with Sunderland (including Biddick and Houghton Kepier) and five part time multi skill coaches are currently being recruited to start in the new year to assist with the development of basic Moves clubs and academies. Biddick partnership currently has access to three part time Community Sports Coaches and Houghton partnership to one.
	The Government's investment in the Biddick School Sport Partnership has resulted in the partnership piloting the multi skill club programme (a multi skill club was implemented in every primary school). The success of this pilot has enabled multi skill clubs to be rolled out across the country and the aim is to provide 1,600 clubs by 2008. Multi skill clubs provide children with the opportunity to develop basic physical skills in order to lead to sporting success.
	To achieve our challenging targets for increased participation in sport and physical activity, we have invested in over 4,000 new and refurbished public sports facilities. Sports facilities in the Gateshead and Sunderland area have benefited from 42 awards from Sport England and the Big Lottery Fund to the total of 19.7 million.
	We have increased our national funding to the arts in real terms by 60 per cent. from 199 million in 199899 to 367 million in 200405. Between 199899 and 200506 funding to Arts Council England, North East increased from 5.7 million to 14.4 million. In 200506 the total Arts Council England investment in the North East, including grant in aid and lottery expenditure, will be 17.7 million. Houghton and Washington, East has benefited from grants to arts projects, organisations and individuals in the area, ranging from the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art to the Gatehead NHS Trust which received 30,000 for public art commissions for the new NHS treatment centre in Gateshead.
	Houghton and Washington, East is part of the Durham and Sunderland Creative Partnership area, which was set up in phase 1 of the programme in 2002. Creative Partnerships aims to give school children and their teachers the opportunity to explore their creativity by working on sustained projects with creative organisations and individuals, including artists, theatre companies, dance studios, museums, orchestras, film-makers and historic buildings. Funding of 65 million was allocated for the period 200205 to develop Creative Partnerships, and the programme will receive at least a further 86 million in 200508.
	Culture Online was launched in 2002 to increase access to, and participation in, arts and culture. Many of its projects are aimed at children of school age and at audiences that might not otherwise participate in arts and culture, including those who do not easily have access to arts and culture, people from deprived communities and people with particular educational or physical needs. People in Houghton and Washington, East will be among those who benefit from Culture Online. Between 2002 and 2004, 13 million was allocated to fund 20 Culture Online projects.
	In 2002 the Department, working through the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, began investing in regional museums for the first time with the Renaissance funding programme. Since 2003, the North East Regional Museums Hub, led by Tyne and Wear Museums, working in partnership with the North East Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (NEMLAC) has invested 4.7 million in museums in the North East. As a result, 88 per cent. of schools in Gateshead LEA, and 68 per cent. in Sunderland LEA have participated in museum based learning at Tyne and Wear Museums. And since April 2005, museum hub outreach officers in Gateshead and Sunderland have worked with 2,073 people.
	Through our commitment to public service broadcasting we have helped to foster an environment in which a creative, commercially successful broadcasting industry provides a wide range of UK-made, high quality original programmes catering for all viewers and listeners. We have ensured a secure funding base for the BBC and Channel 4, while giving them the freedom to develop commercial operations which complement and support their public service remit. The Communications Act 2003 includes provisions to ensure that public service broadcasting will continue to have a key role to play in the digital future.
	In November 2000 we introduced free television licences for people aged 75 or over. Information on the number of beneficiaries by constituency is not available. However, according to Department for Work and Pensions records, the number of households in Houghton and Washington, East with at least one person aged 75 or over claiming the winter fuel payment in 200405 was 4,490.
	We have changed the licensing laws to allow people to hold and attend commercial dances on Sunday, to make it easier for restaurants to open an hour later, and to relax the alcohol licensing hours from 11 pm on new year's eve to 11 am on new year's day in all future years; and we have given the police greater powers to take action against under-age drinking and disorderly and noisy licensed premises. The Licensing Act 2003, when fully implemented, will introduce a streamlined, consistent and fair licensing regime for the provision of alcohol, public entertainment and late night refreshment. It will provide greater choice for consumers, bring regeneration and increased employment opportunities and protect local residents whose lives have been blighted by disturbance and antisocial behaviour.
	The Gambling Act 2005 will, when implemented, transfer responsibility for licensing gambling premises to local authorities. Local people and businesses will be able to make representations about applications for licences and local authorities will be able to decide not to issue licences for casino premises. These changes will give local communities, including those in Houghton and Washington, East, a greater say in the regulation of gambling in their area.
	Tourism in Houghton and Washington, East has benefited from Government-funded marketing activity. In April 2003 we established VisitBritain with a new domestic marketing remit for England, and we gave strategic responsibility for tourism development to the regional development agencies, including One North East. These changes, together with VisitBritain's successful marketing activities in promoting Britain abroad as an attractive tourist destination, benefit all parts of the country, including Houghton and Washington, East.
	In common with all those in the United Kingdom, the public library branches in Houghton are connected to the internet through the People's Network which was funded through a 120 million lottery grant and which has put all the United Kingdom's public libraries on-line. In addition, the Department is funding the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council with 5 million over three years to implement the Framework for the Future Action Plan and Library Improvement Programme, which is designed to encourage improvement across the public libraries sector in England.
	Information from the national lottery distributors indicates that since 2 May 1997 Houghton and Washington, East has benefited from over 230 awards totalling over 9.8 million. Of these, 27 awards worth over 5.2 million were made by the New Opportunities Fund which was established by the Government in 1999. The New Opportunities Fund merged with the Community Fund in June 2004 to form the Big Lottery Fund.

Hemel Hempstead (Revenue)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much funding was allocated by her Department to Hemel Hempstead constituency for (a) capital projects and (b) revenue funding in each of the last eight years.

David Lammy: Apart from the National Museums and Galleries, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not allocate funding directly to any of our sectors. Instead money allocated to us by Parliament is channelled through our various non-departmental public bodies who are responsible for deciding how and where it is spent. For instance Arts Council England, East has allocated 184,339 to the Old Town Hall in Hemel Hempstead over the last eight years. Similarly between 1995 and 1999 English Heritage allocated 92,108 to the constituency and a proportion of its 170,618 in strategic grants to Hertfordshire would also have benefited the town. According to the Department's Lottery Award database (using information supplied by the Lottery distributors) a total of just over 8 million in lottery has been awarded to Hemel Hempstead since 1997.

Library Lending

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many (a) videos, (b) DVDs and (c) CDs were lent by public libraries in (i) Dacorum and (ii) Hertfordshire in each year since 1997.

David Lammy: This information is not held centrally. However, the table shows the number of loans of sound recordings (encompassing music and talking books) and Videos and DVDs for Hertfordshire for the period 199798 to 200304. This information is drawn from the Public Library Statistics, published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. These are collected at library authority level and do not contain comparable details for the Dacorum borough area.
	
		
		
			  Sound recordings Videos/DVDs 
		
		
			 199798 922,117 436,906 
			 199899 688,364 393,930 
			 19992000 655,303 387,661 
			 200001 633,440 427,593 
			 200102 604,923 346,789 
			 200203 459,593 364,796 
			 200304 452,102 324,899

Olympic Games

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what (a) public and (b) Lottery funding allocations are planned for young athletes preparing for the 2012 Olympics for each year between 200607 and 201011.

Richard Caborn: UK Sport's World Class Performance Programme (WCPP) will provide 22.5 million of lottery money for high performance athletes from 2005 to 2009, in the run up to the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic games. The annual figure of 5.625 million may rise to 6.952 million in April 2006 following a comprehensive review of its athlete personal awards scheme.
	Over the same period, UK Sport intends to provide 75.3 million (32.3 million exchequer and 43 million lottery money) to the National Governing Bodies for Olympic and Paralympic sports as part of their one stop plans, which will directly benefit athletes.
	UK Sport will review its funding for each sport at the end of this four year cycle, after the Beijing games. Government have not yet determined the level of funding for the London games cycle (200812).
	UK Sport will take responsibility from Sport England for the performance pathway in April 2006. Currently, individual sports decide how much to allocate to athletes with the greatest potential through the whole sport plan process. UK Sport will make a decision about how much to allocate to sports for this part of the pathway early next year.
	In addition, UK Sport will take responsibility for the talented athlete scholarship scheme (TASS) in April 2006. Funding is currently in place for TASS until 2008. It is currently expected that UK Sport will allocate 5 million to TASS a year between April 2006 and April 2008, 1 million of which will be lottery money.

Private Art Projects

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how much Government funding has been directed towards private art projects in each year since 1997.

David Lammy: The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not fund the arts directly, but through Arts Council England, who are responsible for distributing public money from Government. Arts Council England allocates grant-in-aid funding to their portfolio of regularly funded organisations.
	The following figures supplied by Arts Council England provide a breakdown of the information requested.
	
		
		
			  Arts Council England, London regularly funded organisation budget Havering regularly funded organisations allocation 
		
		
			 199899 13,604,000  
			 19992000 14,612,000  
			 200001 25,780,000  
			 200102 28,456,000 82,000 
			 200203 33,845,000 179,560 
			 200304(17) 133,780,000 258,605 
			 200405 145,798,000 285,000 
			 200506 152,343,000 325,000 
			 Total 548,218,000 1,130,165 
		
	
	(17) Due to restructuring, with effect from 1 April 2003, Arts Council England transferred most national office clients to their regional offices.
	There are no Arts Council England regularly funded organisations in Romford.

School Sports

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what steps her Department is taking to encourage the participation of pupils in (a) primary and (b) secondary state schools in England in (i) baseball, (ii) basketball, (iii) volleyball, (iv) handball and (v) softball.

Richard Caborn: The Department for Culture Media and Sport and the Department for Education and Skills share a joint Public Service Agreement target to increase participation in physical education and sport in school as part of the national PE and school sport strategy.
	Club Links, one of the national strategy work strands, aims to increase the number of 516 year olds from School Sport Partnerships (primary and secondary schools) taking part in high quality club sport. This programme is delivered in partnership with the governing bodies of 22 sports and with dance and fitness organisations.
	The PESSCL 200405 school sport survey showed that 22 per cent. of pupils in school sport partnerships had links with clubs, which is an increase of 15 per cent. since the last survey. 25 per cent. of schools provided links with basketball clubs, 2 per cent. of schools with volleyball clubs and 1 per cent. of schools to softball clubs. No schools in the survey reported providing club links for baseball or handball for their pupils in 200405.
	The survey also showed the range of sports which schools provided for their pupils. 63 per cent. provided basketball for their pupils; 25 per cent. provided volleyball and 16 per cent. of schools provided softball. No schools in the survey reported providing baseball or handball for their pupils in 2004005. Overall, schools provided an average of 15 different sports for their pupils.
	The results of the survey were published In September this year and copies have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.

Swimming Pools

Theresa May: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport which applications are being considered for new public and competition swimming pools in each county in England; and what steps the Government are taking to ensure that the location of the proposed new Olympic swimming pools is a deciding factor when current applications are considered.

Richard Caborn: Funding applications for new public sector swimming pools currently at the pre-award stage of consideration by Sport England are listed in the table:
	
		
			 County Facility 
		
		
			 Avon Bristol50m pool 
			 Cleveland and Tees Valley Redcar25m pool 
			 Devon Plymouth50m pool; 
			  Torrington25m pool 
			 Durham Consett25m pool 
			 Hampshire Portsmouth50m pool 
			 Northumberland Blyth Valley25m pool 
			  Glendale Sports and Leisure Associationcommunity pool 
			 Warwickshire Coventry25m pool 
		
	
	Sport England is also working with the Amateur Swimming Association to consider swimming pool provision in London, including the impact of the Olympic Games pool provision.
	There will be a permanent Aquatics facility in Stratford which will serve as the main competition pool for the Olympic Games and provide post-Olympic legacy facilities of two 50m pools and diving facilities. A further five temporary pools are planned for the Games which will be redistributed against an agreed legacy strategy.

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS

0870 Numbers

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the occasions in the last five years on which 0870 telephone numbers have been used by his Department as contact numbers for members of the public; and how much revenue was received from the use of 0870 contact numbers in each of the last five years for which records are available.

Kim Howells: Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice was available on an 0870 number when it was first introduced in February 2003. The telephone number has been discontinued and was replaced by an 0845 number on 9 September 2005.
	The revenue received from this number to date is 76,887.86. This is set against the cost of running the call centre, which is around 120,000 a year.
	The revenue is broken down as follows:
	
		
			   
		
		
			 2003 4,817.43 
			 2004 22,974.49 
			 2005 49,095.94 
		
	
	Over 203,000 calls were made to the call centre before 2 September 2005.

Algeria

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to help Algeria to tackle terrorism.

Kim Howells: Algeria is a priority partner for the Government's counter terrorism effort. The Government are committed to the development of closer co-operation with the Algerian authorities and Algerian officials have recently visited the UK to study UK counter-terrorism structures. Discussions of an agreement on deportation with assurances continue with the Algerian Government.

Algeria

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government are taking to support the development of democracy in Algeria.

Kim Howells: The UK is committed to working with the Algerian Government to support their development of democracy. The EuroMed Tenth Anniversary Summit on 27 to 28 November 2005 in Barcelona will be an important opportunity to help the EU's Mediterranean Partners, including Algeria, to address the challenges of the 21st century, including in good governance. At the Summit, we want leaders to endorse an outcome-oriented Five Year Work Plan. This Plan will include the creation of a large EU Facility which will provide a package of assistance for Mediterranean Partners who show a clear commitment to good governance.

Carbon Management Programme

Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department will sign up to the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management programme.

Jack Straw: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is committed to reducing its carbon impact on the environment. We use an externally-certified Environmental Management System (EMS) to identify environmental issues on our estate in the UK, including carbon impact. We are currently implementing measures projected to reduce CO 2 emissions from our UK estate by 22.5 per cent. by 201011, relative to 19992000. We are also introducing this financial year arrangements to offset emissions generated by air travel by Ministers, and officials based in the UK.
	We judge that our current system for managing carbon emissions already covers the main elements of the Carbon Trust's Carbon Management Programme, we have not yet signed it but are considering whether to do so carefully.

European Institute of Technology

Michael Weir: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the European Commission on establishing a European Institute of Technology.

Douglas Alexander: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has not had any discussions with the European Commission on establishing a European Institute of Technology.
	The European Commission is currently conducting a wide-ranging consultation on the proposed European Institute of Technology (EIT). The UK response will be submitted shortly and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House. Any proposal must add clear value. Promoting excellence in the European University sector is vital to ensuring Europe's long term competitiveness in the global economy.

Iran

Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to Russia about the sale of nuclear fuel to Iran.

Douglas Alexander: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary and his officials have regular discussions on Iran's nuclear programme with international partners, including Russia. In their proposal to Iran of 5 August 2005, the Foreign Secretary and the Foreign Ministers of France and Germany, with the support of the high representative of the EU, stated that they fully support long-term co-operation in the civil nuclear field between Iran and Russia in the context of an overall agreement on long-term arrangements.

Iraq

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether US Federal Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald (a) contacted and (b) sought assistance from his Department concerning the allegations made in British official policy documents that Iraq sought to procure uranium from Niger as part of the recent US Grand Jury inquiry.

Kim Howells: No, on both points.

Iraq

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on negotiations with the Iraqi Government concerning troop withdrawals.

Kim Howells: The UK is committed to Iraq until such time as the Iraqis are able to take responsibility for their own security. Withdrawal of our troops from Iraq will not depend on reaching certain dates or timetables, but on achieving certain conditions.
	These conditions will be based upon principles outlined by the Iraqi Joint Committee to transfer security responsibility and are based on four broad categories: an assessment of the insurgents' threat level; Iraqi security forces' ability to take on the security task; the capacity of provincial bodies to cope with the changed security environment; and the posture and support available from coalition forces.
	We will not make significant changes to the UK's force posture in any province in Iraq until we, coalition partners and, in particular, the Iraqis are confident that the conditions set out by the Joint Committee are met.
	We expect the Committee's recommendations to be confirmed soon. Thereafter, assessments will be made to determine which areas of Iraq are ready to transfer to Iraqi control. While we do not want to be in Iraq any longer than is necessary, we will not be deflected from our task. We have made a commitment to the Iraqi people and it is important that we honour that commitment and see our task through.

Iraq

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Iranian involvement in the insurgency in Iraq.

Kim Howells: As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has said, the nature of some explosive devices used, including against British troops, leads us either to Iranian elements or to Lebanese Hezbollah, which has very close links with Iran's Revolutionary Guards. We are unable to provide further details as to do so could prejudice the capability, effectiveness, and security of the armed forces.

Literacy and Numeracy

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees in his Department requested training to improve their (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills in each year since 2002.

Jack Straw: Complete statistics over this time have not been collected. No requests for training in numeracy were received during this time. One or two employees each year request funding for external training to improve their English language skills.

Literacy and Numeracy

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to promote uptake of the national tests in adult literacy and numeracy among employees of his Department.

Jack Straw: The vast majority of Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) staff have formal qualifications matching or in excess of the national tests by virtue of their meeting the FCO's entry requirements. As part of a revision of training in writing skills taking place in early 2006, staff who may wish to revise fundamental basic skills will be directed to the national tests as well as other training opportunities.

Literacy and Numeracy

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how much his Department spent on in-house training on (a) literacy and (b) numeracy (i) in total and (ii) per head in each year since 2002.

Jack Straw: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office does not provide in-house training in literacy or numeracy because staff are required on entry to demonstrate these abilities. Any shortfall is met through external training.

Norway

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Norway to encourage that country to join the European Union.

Douglas Alexander: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary met his new Norwegian counterpart, Jonas Gahr St're, on 26 October. Mr. St're explained Norway's approach to EU membership. The United Kingdom would welcome Norway as a partner in the European Union, but the question of applying for EU membership is a matter for the Norwegian Government and people.

Sudan

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the outcome of the sixth round of inter-Sudanese peace talks on Darfur.

Ian Pearson: The sixth round of the inter-Sudanese peace talks on Darfur concluded on 20 October. Overall, the parties engaged more constructively than in previous rounds and some progress was made. All three areas identified for inclusion in a final peace agreement, power sharing, wealth sharing and security arrangements, were discussed. The parties agreed two out of the nine agenda items for negotiations on power sharing, adopted the agenda for wealth sharing negotiations to begin at the next round and held informal consultations on security arrangements.
	But much greater progress needs to be made at the next round of talks, due to begin on 21 November. The African Union (AU) plans to hold workshops in between rounds on wealth sharing and security arrangements, to enable negotiations on these issues to take place in parallel with power sharing. We and our international partners will continue to co-ordinate our strategy in support of the AU, including through the provision of experts to these workshops. We are also working to help resolve the internal divisions within the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army.
	The UK remains fully committed to the AU-led peace talks on Darfur. The UK observer will continue to attend the talks in support of the AU mediation and the parties to help them reach the political solution the people of Darfur need.

Yemen

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to help the Yemeni Government fight terrorism.

Kim Howells: We enjoy a constructive political dialogue with the Yemeni Government on counter-terrorism. We also have an extensive programme of counter-terrorism capacity building of the Yemeni authorities in, for example, maritime security, investigative techniques, forensic and crime scene management. We spent 800,000 on counter-terrorism capacity building in Yemen in financial year 200405.

Zimbabwe

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss with the Governments of (a) Botswana and (b) Namibia steps they could take to encourage Zimbabwe to make their Government more democratic and accountable.

Ian Pearson: Ministers will continue to take every opportunity to discuss with African Ministers, including from Namibia and Botswana, issues that affect the region, including the political situation in Zimbabwe. On 22 June my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary challenged African leaders to recognise the scale of the problem in Zimbabwe and we continue to urge them to press the Government of Zimbabwe to restore democracy, and respect human rights and the rule of law.

Zimbabwe

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UK's current relations with Zimbabwe.

Ian Pearson: On 1 November my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary confirmed that we maintain full diplomatic relations with the Government of Zimbabwe, which is important for the consular protection of British passport holders and also ensures we have a full understanding about the situation in Zimbabwe. But the Government have made no attempt to disguise our abhorrence for Mugabe's policies which continue to diminish the quality of life for ordinary Zimbabweans. We continue to call for a return to democratic governance, full respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Zimbabwe

John Battle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations the UK Government have made to (a) the UN and (b) the Government of Zimbabwe regarding the human rights record of the Zimbabwe regime; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is in regular touch with the UN Secretary-General on Zimbabwe. The Secretary-General made a statement on 31 October, deploring Zimbabwe's refusal to accept UN assistance following his recent housing clearances (Operation Murambatsvina). The UK and our international partners have also ensured that Zimbabwe is raised at the UN Security Council, most recently on 27 July and 4 October. We will continue our work with the UN to build the pressure on Mugabe to reform. Our ambassador in Harare raises our concerns directly with the Government of Zimbabwe. In June he called on the Vice President to express our grave concern about the brutality of Operation Murambatsvina.

Zimbabwe

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government are taking to try to stop the evictions of white Zimbabwean farmers; and if he will make a statement.

Ian Pearson: The Government, together with EU and other international partners, have condemned the chaotic and brutal handling of the state-sponsored land grabs together with other flawed policies in Zimbabwe that have resulted in the fastest shrinking economy in the world. This has ruined the agricultural sector in Zimbabwe, impoverishing the farming community and destroying the livelihoods of local farm workers and their families.

Zimbabwe

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on human rights in Zimbabwe.

Ian Pearson: The Government's views on human rights in Zimbabwe are set out clearly in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Human Rights Annual Report. Since its publication in July, Operation Murambatsvina has made 700,000 Zimbabweans homeless and destitute, and new constitutional amendments allowing for passports to be withdrawn, thereby denying individuals their right to free movement, have underlined the Government of Zimbabwe's continued lack of respect for human rights. We will continue to work for the restoration of the rule of law and good governance in Zimbabwe.

SOLICITOR-GENERAL

Abandoned Court Cases

Douglas Carswell: To ask the Solicitor-General what percentage of cases handled by the Crown Prosecution Service were abandoned in error in each of the last 10 years.

Mike O'Brien: The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) prosecutes a substantial number of cases, a proportion of which are abandoned. It is not known how many may have been abandoned in error.
	Since April 2004, the CPS has recorded the reason for each decision to abandon proceedings on its Compass Case Management System. The attached table gives information drawn from the system for 200405 and for 200506 to date, showing outcome reasons numerically, and expressing each as a proportion of all cases completed during the year. Also shown are the number and proportion of cases acquitted by the courts, and the number and proportion resulting in conviction.
	The various reasons are divided into: administrative finalisations (where the defendant cannot be traced by the police, has died, or has been found unfit to plead); evidential reasons; public interest reasons; cases in which a prosecution cannot proceed; and all other reasons.
	The figures show that the proportion of abandoned prosecutions has fallen year on year, from 17.4 per cent. of completed cases in 200405, to 15.4 per cent. in 200506 to date.
	It will also be seen that substantial numbers of cases are dropped unavoidably: for example where the victim, or another witness, refuses to give evidence, or fails to attend court, where key legal elements arc missing from the prosecution case; or where there is a conflict of evidence.
	
		Reasons for prosecutions dropped 200405
		
			  Number As percentage of completed cases 
		
		
			 Administrative finalisations (18) 51,589 4.3 
			 E10 Key witness does not support case 1,503 0.1 
			 E11. Unreliable/lack of identification 7,152 0.6 
			 El Inadmissible evidenceBreach of PACE 330 0.0 
			 E2 Inadmissible evidenceother than Breach of PACE 1,048 0.1 
			 E3 Unreliable confession 152 0.0 
			 E4 Conflict of evidence 6,504 0.5 
			 E5 Essential medical evidence missing 454 0.0 
			 E6 Essential forensic evidence missing 1,387 0.1 
			 E7 Essential legal element missing 32,330 2.7 
			 E8 Unreliable witness or witnesses 3,901 0.3 
			 E9 Key victim does not support case 4,858 0.4 
			 Total dropped for evidential reasons 59,619 5.0 
			 P12 Effect on victim's physical or mental health 515 0.0 
			 P13 Defendant elderly or in significant ill health 1,388 0.1 
			 P14 Loss or harm minor and single incident 601 0.1 
			 P15 Loss or harm put right 1,165 0.1 
			 P16 Long delay between offence/charge or trial 2,839 0.2 
			 P17 Very small or nominal penalty 2,878 0.2 
			 P18 Other indictment / sentence 8,871 0.7 
			 P19 Informer or other public interest immunity issues 1,731 0.1 
			 P20 Caution more suitable 5,172 0.4 
			 P21 Youth of offender 160 0.0 
			 Total dropped for public interest reasons 25,320 2.1 
			 U22 File not received from police adjournment refused 2,006 0.2 
			 U23 CPS not readyadjournment refused 1,715 0.1 
			 U24 Offence taken into consideration 535 0.0 
			 U25 Victim refuses to give evidence or retracts 10,144 0.8 
			 U26 Other witness refuses to give evidence or retracts 1,263 0.1 
			 U27 Victim fails to attend unexpectedly 4,718 0.4 
			 U28 Other civilian witness fails to attend unexpectedly 1,781 0.1 
			 U29 Police witness fails to attend unexpectedly 1,479 0.1 
			 U30 Victim intimidation 26 0.0 
			 U31 Other civilian witness intimidation 33 0.0 
			 U32 Documents produced at court 9,218 0.8 
			 Total in which prosecution unable to proceed 32,918 2.7 
			 O33 Bind over acceptable 15,929 1.3 
			 O34 Acquittal after trial 717 0.1 
			 O35 Other 23,310 1.9 
			 Total dropped for other reasons 39,956 3.3 
			 Total dropped 209,402 17.4 
			 Acquittals 28,931 2.4 
			 Convictions 962,433 80.2 
			 Total completed 1,200,766 100.0 
		
	
	(18) An administrative finalisation is recorded where a defendant cannot be traced by the police, or has died, or has been found unfit to plead.
	
		Reasons for prosecutions dropped 200506 (1 April to 2 November 2005)
		
			  Number As percentage of completed cases 
		
		
			 Administrative finalisations (19) 22,216 3.3 
			 E10 Key witness does not support case 945 0.1 
			 E11 Unreliable/lack of identification 3,848 0.6 
			 El Inadmissible evidenceBreach of PACE 163 0.0 
			 E2 Inadmissible evidenceother than Breach of PACE 467 0.1 
			 E3 Unreliable confession 47 0.0 
			 E4 Conflict of evidence 3,975 0.6 
			 E5 Essential medical, evidence missing 207 0.0 
			 E6 Essential forensic evidence missing 743 0,1 
			 E7 Essential legal element missing 20,563 3.0 
			 E8 Unreliable witness or witnesses 2,248 0.3 
			 E9 Key victim docs not support case 3,549 0.5 
			 Total dropped for evidential reasons 36,755 5.4 
			
			 P12 Effect on victim's physical or mental health 280 0.0 
			 P13 Defendant elderly or in significant ill health 877 0.1 
			 P14 Loss or harm minor and single incident 457 0.1 
			 P15 Loss or harm put right 836 0.1 
			 P16 Long delay between offence/charge or trial 1,417 0.2 
			 P17 Very small or nominal penalty 1,829 0.3 
			 P18 Other indictment / sentence 5,126 0.8 
			 P19 Informer or other public interest immunity issues 818 0.1 
			 P20 Caution more suitable 3,250 0.5 
			 P21 Youth of offender 169 0.0 
			 P36 Inappropriate to compel victim 74 0.0 
			 P37 Inappropriate to compel witness 28 0.0 
			 Total dropped for public interest reasons 15,161 2.2 
			
			 U22 File not received from police adjournment refused 1,307 0.2 
			 U23 CPS not readyadjournment refused 905 0.1 
			 U24 Offence taken into consideration 255 0.0 
			 U25 Victim refuses to give evidence or refracts 5,218 0.8 
			 U26 Other witness refuses to give evidence or retracts 636 0.1 
			 U27 Victim, fails to attend unexpectedly 2,750 0.4 
			 U28 Other civilian witness fails to attend unexpectedly 1,053 0.2 
			 U29 Police witness fails to attend unexpectedly 819 0.1 
			 U30 Victim intimidation 8 0.0 
			 U31 Other civilian witness intimidation 11 0.0 
			 U32 Documents produced at court 4,340 0.6 
			 Total in which prosecution unable to proceed 17,302 2.6 
			
			 O33 Bind over acceptable 7,563 1.1 
			 O34 Acquittal after trial 376 0.1 
			 O35 Other 4,823 0.7 
			 Total dropped for other reasons 12,762 1.9 
			 Total dropped 104,196 15.4 
			
			 Acquittals 17,744 2.6 
			 Convictions 555,513 82.0 
			 Total completed 677,453 100.0 
		
	
	(19) An administrative finalisation is recorded where a defendant cannot be traced by the police, or has died, or has been found unfit to plead

Call Centres

David Laws: To ask the Solicitor-General how many call centres were run by the Law Officers' Department and its agencies in (a) 200304, (b) 200405 and (c) 200506 to date; and how many and what proportion of calls (i) were handled by an adviser, (ii) were received but abandoned and (iii) received an engaged tone.

Mike O'Brien: None of the Departments for which I am responsible runs a call centre.

Literacy and Numeracy

Nick Gibb: To ask the Solicitor-General how much his Department spent on in-house training on (a) literacy and (b) numeracy (i) in total and (ii) per head, in each year since 2002.

Mike O'Brien: Of the Departments for which I am responsible, only one has run specific in-house training on literacy and numeracy in the period specified. The figures for the SFO are shown in tabular form as follows. Included in the literacy figures is the cost of running courses on effective writing and business writing. The numeracy figures cover the cost of running courses on financial management.
	
		SFO spend on in-house literacy training
		
			  
			 Financial year Total cost Cost per head 
		
		
			 200203 2,475 9.5 
			 200304 1,329 5 
			 200405 1,930 7 
			 200506 7,720 26 
		
	
	
		SFO spend on in-house numeracy training
		
			  
			 Financial year Total cost Cost per head 
		
		
			 200203 15,000 58 
			 200304 7,500 30 
			 200405 8,500 29 
			 200506 17,000 57 
		
	
	Note:
	The figures for 200506 are the anticipated spend for this financial year.

CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Departmental Staff

Vincent Cable: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many full-time equivalent employee reductions (a) were achieved in 200405 and (b) are expected to be achieved in 200506 as a result of the Gershon review in her Department; what (i) cost savings relating to IT projects and (ii) total efficiency savings (A) were achieved in 200405 and (B) are expected to be achieved in 200506 as a result of that review; and if she will make a statement.

Bridget Prentice: There were no headcount reductions planned for 200405. By March 200708, the Department will have reduced its headcount by 1,100. Progress towards this will be reported in the Department's autumn performance report.
	There were no planned cost savings relating to IT projects for 200405. By 200708 the Department will deliver IT project-related savings of 3 million. Progress towards this 3 million saving will be reported in the Department's autumn performance report.
	There were no planned efficiency gains for 200405. DCA will deliver savings of 292 million by March 200708. While there is no intermediate target for 200506, progress towards the 292 million target will be reported in the Department's autumn performance report.

Relocation

Vincent Cable: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs how many people in her Department (a) were relocated in 200405 and (b) are expected to be relocated in 200506 as a result of Sir Michael Lyons' independent review of public sector relocation; to which locations they have been relocated; and if she will make a statement.

Bridget Prentice: There were no planned DCA relocations for 200405 or 200506 under the Lyons review.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Ambulance Service

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects ambulance control centres at (a) Altnagelvin, (b) Antrim and (c) Craigavon to close.

Shaun Woodward: The new regional Emergency Ambulance Despatch Centre, located at Knockbracken Healthcare Park, will open on 23 November 2005. It is planned that Emergency Despatch staff from Antrim will transfer to Knockbracken in January 2006, from Craigavon in February 2006 and from Altnagelvin in March 2006.
	The control facility at Altnagelvin will not close as it will become the Regional Patient Care Despatch Centre from April 2006. Antrim and Craigavon Controls will close at this time when Patient Care Despatch staff move to Altnagelvin.

Ambulance Service

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what equality impact assessment was conducted in relation to closure of ambulance control centres at (a) Altnagelvin, (b) Antrim and (c) Craigavon.

Shaun Woodward: Proposals for the reconfiguration of ambulance control were originally made in the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety's response to the 2000 Strategic Review of Ambulance Services. The Strategic Review Implementation Plan outlined proposals to move from four control centres to two and this document was subject to public consultation. At the same time an Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was published to inform this policy development. The departmental response to consultation, which included replies to points raised by the EQIA questionnaire, was published in May 2002.
	The business case for the reconfiguration of control fully considered the new TSN implications of the move to two control centres.
	Altnagelvin Control will remain open, dealing with non-emergency calls and providing a back-up to the emergency control, which will be centralised at Knockbracken.

Assets Recovery Agency

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funding has been allocated in each year of its operation to the budget of the Assets Recovery Agency in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: The annual share allocation of the Assets Recovery Agency's baseline budget to the Northern Ireland Branch is a matter for the Director of the Assets Recovery Agency. A significant increase in funding was allocated this year.
	The budget allocation for ARA in Northern Ireland since 2003/2004 is set out in the following table:
	
		
			   million 
		
		
			 200304 2.071 
			 200405 2.326 
			 200506 3.24

Attacks on Teachers

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many parents have been prosecuted for attacks on teachers in Northern Ireland in each of the last 10 years.

Angela Smith: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave on 2 November 2005, Official Report, column 1234W.

Breast Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer in the Province in the last 12 months were tested for their suitability for Trastuzumab at the point of diagnosis.

Shaun Woodward: All patients diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in Northern Ireland are tested for their suitability for Trastuzumab.

Breast Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women have been given Trastuzumab in the Province in the early stages of breast cancer in the last 12 months.

Shaun Woodward: Five women in Northern Ireland have been given Trastuzumab for early stage breast cancer as part of the clinical trial. No women in Northern Ireland in the early stages of breast cancer have been given Trastuzumab through public funding.
	Trastuzumab has not yet been licensed for the treatment of early stage breast cancer. It has also not yet been evaluated by NICE. In these circumstances I would not expect Trastuzumab to be available on the HPSS in Northern Ireland for patients with early stage breast cancer until further evidence on the safety, quality and effectiveness of the drug is available.

Breast Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many early stage breast cancer patients in the Province have requested Trastuzumab but been refused in the last 12 months.

Shaun Woodward: Information is not available on the number of patients with early stage breast cancer in Northern Ireland who have requested Trastuzumab but been refused.
	Trastuzumab has not yet been licensed for the treatment of early stage breast cancer. It has also not yet been evaluated by NICE. In these circumstances I would not expect Trastuzumab to be available in Northern Ireland on the HPSS for patients with early stage breast cancer until further evidence on the safety, quality and effectiveness of the drug is available.

Breast Cancer

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women have been given Trastuzumab in the Province for advanced breast cancer in the last 12 months.

Shaun Woodward: I refer the hon. Lady to my answer of 19 October 2005, Official Report, column 1111W.

Class Sizes

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland which secondary schools in the Province had classes of more than 30 pupils during 1997.

Angela Smith: The requested information was not collected at the time, and any attempt to collect it retrospectively could be done only at disproportionate cost.

Domestic Regional Rate

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much revenue he expects to raise in 200607 as a result of the planned increase in the domestic regional rate.

Angela Smith: The revenue for the regional domestic rate in 200607 is estimated to be 251.6 million, an increase of 44.9 million on 200506 forecast.
	This estimate may change as a consequence of future updates to collection and valuation information.

Domestic Regional Rate

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total estimated revenue would be from the domestic regional rate in 200607 as a consequence of increasing 200506 rates by (a) 3.3 per cent., (b) 9 per cent., (c) 19 per cent. and (d) the rate of inflation.

Angela Smith: The total estimated revenue from the regional domestic rates in 200607 for the uplifts quoted, is set out in the following table:
	
		
			 Increase (percentage) Estimated total revenue ( million) 
		
		
			 3.3 218.4 
			 9.0 230.5 
			 19.0 251.6 
			   
			 Rate of inflation  
			 2.5 216.7 
		
	
	These estimates may change as a consequence of future updates to collection and valuation information.

Education and Library Boards

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the Department of Education requires redundancy costs incurred by education and library boards to be accounted for in the financial year in which the redundancy occurs.

Angela Smith: Accounts should be prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. This requires the non-cash effects of transactions and other events to be reflected, as far as possible, in the accounts in the year in which they occur and not, for example, in the year in which any cash involved is received or paid. Therefore, it is for the board to determine when the redundancies arise and apply the above policy to the preparation of their accounts. It is for the NIAO to determine if the accounts reflect a true and fair view and are in compliance with the above policy. Should any liabilities arising be of uncertain timing or amount, recognition in the accounts should be in accordance with the principles contained in FRS 12 governing provisions.

Education and Library Boards

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the minimum amount is which an education and library board can disregard for the purposes of accounting in a financial year in respect of bills received after the end of that financial year.

Angela Smith: There is no minimum amount which an education and library board can knowingly disregard for the purposes of accounting in a financial year in respect of bills received after the end of the financial year. If during the preparation of the annual accounts an education and library board is aware of a cost relating to the previous year for which the bill is received after the year end, that amount should be accrued back to the previous year irrespective of the amount. If certain accruals are not captured as part of the accounts preparation process, but are discovered during audit, the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) may require the amounts to be accrued back to the previous year, if material. The levels of materiality are determined by NIAO.

Fair Employment

Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many complaints of discrimination in employment in Northern Ireland have been supported by the Equality Commission in each year since its inception, broken down by community background of complainant.

Angela Smith: I understand that the Chief Executive of the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, Ms Evelyn Collins, has written to the hon. Gentleman in the following terms:
	The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland supported the following new employment and non-employment complaints in each year since its inception:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 19992000 440 
			 200001 654 
			 200102 805 
			 200203 150 
			 200304 87 
			 200405 90 
		
	
	The Equality Commission does not have complete information on the community background of complainants who have received its support.

Fireworks

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list the legal retailers of fireworks in Northern Ireland.

Shaun Woodward: The list of registered retailers of fireworks varies throughout the calendar year, given that each retailer is subject to licence renewal every 12 months and licence durations are not concurrent. However during the Halloween period this year some 226 premises were registered to keep and sell fireworks in Northern Ireland. The list of registered retailers has been placed in the Library.

Harbour Investment

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland pursuant to the answer of 24 October 2005, Official Report, columns 912W, on harbour investment, what future plans the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has for improvement and development at Portavogie Harbour; how much funding has been allocated; and what the timescale for completion is.

Angela Smith: The Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority is the non-departmental public body that has responsibility for the improvement, management and maintenance of the three Northern Ireland fishery harbours at Portavogie, Kilkeel and Ardglass.
	There is an ongoing programme of development works at Portavogie Harbour approved by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and undertaken by the Northern Ireland Fishery Harbour Authority.
	Future plans include some works that have already started and projects that are due to get underway in the near future, once tendering and other practical procedures are finalised. The ongoing programme comprises four main projects funded under the Building Sustainable Prosperity programme for:
	key wall repairs that are currently in progress and are expected to cost 547,600;
	upgrade of harbour security systems presently out to tender at an estimated total cost of 104,300;
	upgrade of the slipway that will cost 144,500 and on which work has just started; and
	a further 125,000 has been approved for re-surfacing of and upgrade to the Princess Anne road.
	All of the above projects are due to be completed within the next two years.
	There are also several future development projects being considered under the Taskforce initiative, which would total approximately 500,000.
	These comprise as follows:
	developing a net repair area; and
	working with Ards borough council and the Portavogie and District Development Group Ltd. to implement a number of other schemes in and around the harbour area and estate (including beach access/walkways, a recycling/fish waste facility, and the construction of business units).
	It is expected that works proceeding under these Taskforce proposals will be completed within a three-year period.

Home Detention Curfews

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people in each district command unit in Northern Ireland are under home detention curfew.

Bridget Prentice: I have been asked to reply.
	There is currently no legislative provision in Northern Ireland for home detention curfew.

Income Statistics

Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the level of real personal disposable income was in each of the last five years; and what the percentage change from the previous year was in each year.

Angela Smith: The information available is shown in the following table.
	
		Gross disposable household income per head (current prices)
		
			   per head Percentage change, year on year (Percentage) 
		
		
			 1999 8,805 4.2 
			 2000 9,424 7.0 
			 2001 10,062 6.8 
			 2002 10,401 3.4 
			 2003 10,809 3.9 
		
	
	Source:
	Office for National Statistics

Integrated Schools

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many integrated (a) primary and (b) post primary schools are planned in each education and library board area over the next three years.

Angela Smith: There are four development proposals for new grant-maintained integrated (GMI) schools to receive funding with effect from September 2006. No decisions have yet been taken on any of the proposals.
	The proposals are:
	
		
			 Education and library board area School/area 
		
		
			 Southern New primary school in Clogher Valley 
			 South-Eastern New primary school in the Moira/ Hillsborough area 
			 South-Eastern New post-primary school in the Saintfield area 
			 North-Eastern Recognition for grant-aid of Lir integrated primary school in Ballycastle (currently an independent school). 
		
	
	Integrated schools can also be established through the transformation of existing schools. The Department is aware of one primary school in the South-Eastern education and library board area which is in the early stages of a parental ballot to determine whether that school would seek transformation to controlled integrated status. No formal timetable has yet been established.
	The Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) assists the development of GMI schools through support to established parental steering groups. The Department has been informed by NICIE that the following proposals are expected for 2007:
	
		
			 Education and library board area School/area 
		
		
			 Western New grant-maintained integrated primary school for Strabane 
			 Western New grant-maintained integrated post-primary school in Limavady 
			 North-Eastern New grant-maintained integrated post-primary school in Antrim 
		
	
	NICIE are not currently aware of any plans to establish integrated schools in 2008.

Lysosomal Storage Disorders

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision is made in the Province for sufferers of lysosomal storage disorders; and what estimate he has made of the number of people in the Province who suffer from lysosomal storage disorders.

Shaun Woodward: Information on the number of individuals in the Province suffering from lysosomal storage disorders is not available centrally, however hospital admission information is available. In 200405, there were 124 admissions to hospital for patients with this condition. Patients can be admitted more than once over the course of the year and these 124 admissions related to 39 individuals.

Mental Health

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what percentage of health spending in the Province was allocated to mental health (a) services and (b) promotion in each of the last five years.

Shaun Woodward: The percentage of health and social services spent by HSS boards on the provision of mental health services is given as follows. Information on mental health promotion is not separately identified.
	
		
			  Percentage 
		
		
			 19992000 8.43 
			 200001 (20) 
			 200102 8.06 
			 200203 7.70 
			 200304 7.66 
		
	
	(20) Not available

Pensioners

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pensioners in Northern Ireland are being held awaiting deportation.

Tony McNulty: I have been asked to reply.
	There are no immigration detainees of pensionable age being held in Northern Ireland for the purposes of removal or deportation from the UK.

Police Service (Religious Affiliation)

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what time scale is planned for the ending of selection by religious affiliation for recruitment for the Police Service of Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.

Shaun Woodward: The temporary 50:50 recruitment measures are being applied as a response to the imperative of achieving a Police Service in Northern Ireland that is more representative of the community that it serves. Our goal, in line with the Patten Report, is to achieve a 30 per cent. Catholic composition among officers by 201011. As we are on target to achieve this goal, we do not foresee that these measures will be applied after this time.
	These provisions are subject to review and possible renewal every three years, next due in March 2007, when the policy will be subject to detailed review, extensive consultation, and debate in both houses.

PR Consultancies

Mark Durkan: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 
	(1)  if he will list (a) communications, (b) public relations and (c) media consultancy firms which have been contracted to each Northern Ireland Government Department and agency in the last 10 years; and how much each has been paid;
	(2)  how much was spent by each Government Department in Northern Ireland on printing public documents in the last five years.

Angela Smith: The information requested by the hon. Gentleman is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Pupil: Teacher Ratios

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will take steps to employ more teachers to reduce pupil to teacher ratios in Northern Ireland.

Angela Smith: Under Local Management of Schools arrangements decisions on the number of teachers to be employed and their deployment within a school are matters for the Boards of Governors of each individual school, taking account of the level of resources available.
	The recently announced Budget 2005 proposals provide for current expenditure on Education to increase by over 100 millionfrom 1,567 million in 200506 to 1,673 million in 200708.

Resource-releasing Savings

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money was redistributed through resource-releasing savings by (a) all Northern Ireland Departments and (b) by each Department, agency and non-departmental public body in Northern Ireland in 200405; and if he will make a statement.

Angela Smith: No money was redistributed through resource-releasing savings in 200405.
	A target for efficiency savings of 2.5 per cent. per year was set for the public sector in Northern Ireland for the period 200506 to 200708.

Respite Care

Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans there are to improve respite services for severely disabled young adults within the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area.

Shaun Woodward: The Eastern Health and Social Services Board currently provides a wide range of respite opportunities for disabled young adults and are working to develop more flexible and innovative respite provision for young disabled adults.

Schools

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment the Department of Education has made of the effects on school building programmes of the use of private finance initiative schemes.

Angela Smith: The Private Finance Initiative (PFI) has an important role to play in delivering investment in school building programmes across the UK. It should only be used where it offers value for money. In Northern Ireland, PFI schemes have helped the Department of Education to announce larger capital programmes each year. Since 2001, PFI projects covering 30 schools with an estimated capital value in excess of 300 million have been announced.

Schools

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pupils are enrolled at each primary school in the Province.

Angela Smith: The information has been placed in the Library.

Schools

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many whole-time equivalent (a) teachers and (b) other staff are employed at each primary school in the Province.

Angela Smith: The information is as follows:
	(a) The information on full-time equivalent teachers in each primary school in 200405 has been placed in the Library.
	(b) The information on non-teaching staff employed in each primary school is not immediately available, but has been requested from the education and library boards, and I shall write to the hon. Gentleman.

Student Fees

William McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on student fees for Northern Ireland students.

Angela Smith: Northern Ireland students entering higher education from the 200607 academic year will be charged tuition fees of up to 3,000 a year for higher education courses at institutions in England and Northern Ireland. In Scotland the proposed fee levels at Scottish institutions are 1,700 with the exception of medical courses which are proposed to be 2,700. In Wales, fees will be charged on the same basis as in England and Northern Ireland but from 200708. From 200607, all Northern Ireland domiciled students studying at institutions in the UK, will be able to defer payment by taking out a non-means tested loan which will not have to be repaid until after the student leaves higher education and is earning more than 15,000 per year.

Teriparatide

Alasdair McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make Teriparatide available to patients in Northern Ireland suffering from osteoporosis.

Shaun Woodward: I refer the hon. Gentleman to my answer of 17 October 2005, Official Report, column 751W.

Translink

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much each education and library board in the Province has paid to Translink in each of the last five years.

Angela Smith: The education and library boards have incurred the following expenditure in the last five years in relation to schools services provided by Translink:
	
		
		
			  BELB NEELB SEELB SELB WELB Total 
		
		
			 200001 777,597 6,584,803 6,153,086 4,880,971 3,904,699 22,301,156 
			 200102 1,039,710 6,960,560 6,216,599 5,077,462 3,945,176 23,239,507 
			 200203 827,000 7,373,000 6,419,000 5,135,000 3,731,000 23,485,000 
			 200304 845,000 7,620,000 5,917,792 5,446,000 3,731,000 23,559,792 
			 200405 866,000 8,373,000 6,931,000 5,966,000 4,340,631 26,476,631

Vacant Teaching Posts

Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many vacant teaching posts there were within each education and library board in the Province in 1997.

Angela Smith: This information is not held by the Department of Education nor by the relevant employing authorities, and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Water Charges

David Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what sum he originally budgeted to receive in 200607 from water charges.

Angela Smith: In considering public expenditure allocations for 200607, in the course of the Priorities and Budget 200508 process, it was estimated that the revenue from the phased introduction of water and sewerage charges, on 1 April 2006, would be between 50 million and 80 million for that year Reflecting the uncertainty regarding the final amount, the lower amount, 50 million, was factored into public expenditure allocations for 200607.

EDUCATION AND SKILLS

Careers Advice

Mark Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what arrangements are made to provide careers advice for those who leave higher education without completing their courses.

Bill Rammell: All Higher Education (HE) Careers Advisory Services, which are funded by institutions themselves, offer some level of information, advice and guidance (IAG) to students who are considering leaving their courses before completion. Institutions determine the level of provision to offer, taking account of funding and resource levels in their careers service, and also the specific circumstances of each discontinuing student.
	HE Careers Services work with other IAG services to ensure that students who are leaving their course are referred to the most appropriate source of help, including: Connexions for young people; the national learndirect telephone and on-line advice service; and the local nextstep information and advice service for adults. Other services such as counselling or financial advice are recommended if appropriate.
	Alongside this, the Higher Education Funding Council for England provides higher education institutions with substantial funding282 million for 200506to help universities give more support to students who may be at risk of leaving their courses before completion.

Childrens' Diets

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps the Government is taking to ensure young children are eating a well-balanced diet.

Jacqui Smith: The Department for Education and Skills announced a package of measures in March 2005 to improve school food and good progress has been made. Elements of the package include: (i) the School Meals Review Panel which published its report containing recommendations for new nutritional standards for school lunches. The consultation period runs until 31 December 2005 and finalised standards will be announced in the new year; (ii) an independent School Food Trust which is currently being set up to support schools making the transformation to healthy meals; (iii) the new Ofsted inspection framework which will expect schools to present evidence about their general approach to food and healthy eating; (iv) and from September 2005, the 'Healthy Schools' programme which has included healthy eating as a key element, which schools will need to address to reach the National Healthy Schools' standard.
	The recently published 'Choosing Health White Paper' also sets out a number of actions to improve nutrition and physical activity levels, particularly among children and to reduce obesity.
	Finally, the Department of Health's Food in Schools Toolkit provides guidance/resources to help schools deliver a whole school approach to healthier food and drink. A similar toolkit has recently been published by the Food Standards Agency for school Governors; and a Parents Toolkit has been published by the DfES.

Citizenship Education

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what steps she is taking to improve the quality of citizenship education in schools;
	(2)  what steps she is taking to ensure that staff teaching citizenship education have appropriate opportunities for continuing professional development.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 3 November 2005
	Citizenship was made a statutory subject in the national curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4 in 2002. We have introduced Initial Teacher Training in Citizenship and funded places for over 1,000 trainee teachers so far.
	For existing teachers, we have developed a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) handbook which supports the development of effective teaching and learning in citizenship education. We are also developing a CPD certificate for the teaching of citizenship, which is currently being piloted in three areas.
	In addition, we continue to support the Association for Citizenship Teaching and have developed a short course GCSE in Citizenship Studies which 38,000 pupils took in 2005, an increase of 10,000 over the previous year.

Community Schools

Lynne Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether it is her policy that community schools should be allowed to be run by religious educational trusts.

Jacqui Smith: A community school could not acquire a religious character by acquiring a trust. In order for a school without a religious character to acquire such a character proposals must be published to close the school and to open a new school with a religious character in its place.
	A school which did not have a religious character could acquire a trust which had some religious objects, as well as educational ones, but that trust could not affect the religious character of the school.

Disabled Students Allowance

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how long on average an individual waited when claiming the Disabled Students' Allowance from the point of application to the point of receiving the allowance in 200405.

Bill Rammell: Applications are dealt with by local authorities and the information requested is not held centrally. The target turn round for all applications for student support is six weeks. Applications for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) tend to take longer because they involve a specialist assessment to determine course related needs. We do not set and monitor specific DSA processing times, but we have given advice to local authorities to prioritise DSA applications and speed up the referral process with the aim of achieving payment of DSA in advance of the start of term for those who need it, wherever possible.

Disabled Students Allowance

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what measures are being taken to reduce the time taken for an individual to receive the Disabled Students' Allowance.

Bill Rammell: Following a review of Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) we changed DfES guidance to local authority awards officers for 2002/03 to allow disabled students to receive a DSA funded assessment of their course needs prior to the start of the course, so that arrangements could be made for their special support to be ready in time for the start of their course.
	Currently over 35,000 students are receiving DSAs annually. We are not aware of any general problem of undue delays in the DSA assessment process but are always prepared to consider carefully further proposals for improving the speed and efficiency of administration.

Education Maintenance Allowance

Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer of 31 October 2005, Official Report, columns 81517W, on education maintenance allowance, what representations she has received regarding the 45 per cent. of post-16 students who are not eligible to receive education maintenance allowance.

Maria Eagle: holding answer 7 November 2005
	From 1 April 2005, the Secretary of State delegated responsibility for Education maintenance allowance (EMA) operational policy to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). LSC took over responsibility for responding to EMA related correspondence in July. The total amount of correspondence received by the LSC specifically mentioning EMA in the period July to September totals 757 cases. This includes correspondence sent to Ministers and cases sent directly by members of the public to the LSC.
	A number of issues are encompassed within that figure of 757 which do not always relate to an individual's eligibility. The broad categories and breakdown of inquiries are listed in the following table (including additional figures for telephone contacts which cannot be classified).
	
		
			  July August September October Telephone Queries Total 
		
		
			 Income-related 49 36 262 142 15 504 
			 Age-related 8 3 23 25 4 63 
			 Pilot Area issues 7 3 1 2 0 13 
			 General queries 15 30 31 30 0 106 
			 General EMA Complaints 11 12 24 18 4 69 
			 Other  3 5 17 0 25 
			  90 87 346 234 23 780 
		
	
	Those who are not eligible for receipt of EMA will largely fall into the categories of Income-related, Age-related and Pilot area issues.
	3,762 pieces of correspondence have been dealt with by the DfES Central Correspondence Unit relating to students who are not eligible for EMA during the period September 2004 to the end of October 20053,535 of these were from members of the public and 227 from Members of Parliament. The following table shows the types of correspondence as classified by my Department:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 Income-related 2,339 
			 Age-related 1,437 
			 Bonus payments 58

Exam Standards

Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to increase the rigour of GCSEs and A-levels.

Jacqui Smith: Our White Paper, 1419 Education and Skills sets out proposals to strengthen GCSEs and A-levels.
	We will restructure English and mathematics GCSEs to ensure that in future students cannot get a grade C or above without passing new functional skills units.
	At A-level we will introduce a new section in papers covering Advanced Extension Award type material and an Extended Project requiring a high degree of planning, preparation, research and autonomous working.

Failing Schools

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the reasons for school failure; and what steps her Department is taking to tackle school failure.

Jacqui Smith: Her Majesty's chief inspector of schools has a duty to keep the Secretary of State informed about school failures and the reasons for failure. Inspectors look at the overall effectiveness of a school, teaching, standards and attainment, leadership and management, governance, value for money, improvement since the last inspection and the school's capacity to improve.
	The Government have introduced new legislation and a number of successful initiatives, including the Fresh Start programme and Academies, to address failure since 1997. The recent Schools White Paper sets out proposals for further measures to ensure local authorities take rapid and decisive action.

Failing Schools

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by her Department to improve the turnaround of failing schools.

Jacqui Smith: This is a fundamental responsibility of local authorities, and we have challenged them to use their powers of intervention to tackle failure quickly and effectively. When a school fails an Ofsted inspection, authorities may appoint additional governors, or replace an entire governing body with an interim executive board. The authority may also suspend the school's right to a delegated budget. In addition we have encouraged federation and collaboration with other schools, and emphasised that there may be a need to change the head teacher or other senior staff. In cases of severe failure, schools may be closed and replaced under the Fresh Start initiative, or as Academies.
	The recent Schools White Paper announced the Government's intention to require local authorities to consider taking radical options as soon as schools are placed in special measures and to re-consider their use after 12 months if schools are making inadequate progress.

Faith Schools

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many proposals by faith organisations to open new faith schools were made in each year since 1997; and how many were successful.

Jacqui Smith: The following table shows the number of proposals made by faith organisations to open new faith schools in each year since 1997, and the number of those proposals that were subsequently approved (whether or not this was in the same year they were published).
	
		
			  Proposals published Of which approved 
		
		
			 1997 13 12 
			 1998 13 11 
			 1999 8 7 
			 2000 13 12 
			 2001 13 13 
			 2002 10 10 
			 2003 17 16 
			 2004 15 13 
			 2005 10 9 
			 Total 112 103 
		
	
	These figures do not include new faith schools resulting from schools amalgamating or infant and junior schools closing to be replaced by a primary school.

Faith Schools

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what percentage of (a) faith schools and (b) non-faith schools have been awarded a (i) grade 1 and (ii) grade 2 rating by Ofsted inspectors.

Jacqui Smith: This is a matter for Ofsted. HM Chief Inspector, David Bell, has written to the hon. Member and a copy of his letter will be placed in the Library.
	Letter from David Bell to Dr. Ashok Kumar, dated 7 November 2005
	Your recent parliamentary question has been passed to me, as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector, for reply.
	Dr Ashok Kumar (Middlesbrough South  East Cleveland): To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, what percentage of (a) faith schools and (b) non-faith schools have been awarded a (i) grade 1 and (ii) grade 2 rating by Ofsted Inspectors.
	The tables attached show the percentage of schools judged to be highly effective (grade 1) and very effective (grade 2) by denomination during the academic year 2004/05.
	A copy of this reply has been sent to Jacqui Smith and will be placed in the library of both houses.
	
		Table 1: Percentage of primary schools judged either highly effective (grade 1) or very effective (grade 2): 2004/05
		
			  Highly effective (grade 1) Very effective (grade 2) 
		
		
			 Faith schools 1 20 
			 Non-faith schools 1 17 
		
	
	
		Table 2: Percentage of secondary schools judged either highly effective (grade 1) or very effective (grade 2): 2004/05
		
			  Highly effective (grade 1) Very effective (grade 2) 
		
		
			 Faith schools 1 27 
			 Non-faith schools 3 22

Further Education

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many colleges have offered courses tailored to their local area in each of the last five years.

Bill Rammell: Information on how many colleges have offered courses tailored to their local area in each of the last five years is not collected. As the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) funds further education provision on the basis of three year development plans which are agreed between colleges and their local LSCs then all courses should reflect local needs.

Further Education

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many Ministers with responsibility for further education her Department has had since 1997.

Bill Rammell: The Department for Education and Skills, and its predecessor Departments, has had nine Ministers with responsibility for further education since 1997.

Further Education

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many courses in further education institutions in (a) Cheshire and (b) Warrington have had their fees (i) increased and (ii) reduced in the current academic year.

Bill Rammell: The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) increased its learner fee assumption from 25 per cent. to 27.5 per cent. of the basic course cost for 2005/06 in respect of all adults liable to pay fees.
	Further education colleges have the discretion and responsibility to decide their own fee strategies and will continue to be free to set fee levels for courses and for individuals. My Department expects colleges to collect more of the fees they presently voluntarily forgo and the LSC is implementing a policy of setting fee income targets for all colleges. We do not monitor fees at course level although after the end of the year, detailed information is provided by colleges to the LSC about fees paid by individual learners.
	My Department will continue to waive fees for all young people; those taking literacy and numeracy; and learners receiving income based benefits, the pension (guarantee) credit and those on higher levels of the working tax credit.

Gershon Review

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much schools are expected to save as part of the Gershon review; and how these savings are being measured.

Bill Rammell: The Department is committed to realising total annual efficiency gains of at least 4.3 billion by 200708 as a result of Spending Review 2004. Within this total the schools sector is responsible for realising roughly two thirds of the total efficiency gains.
	Details of how we plan to measure these gains are laid out in the Department's Efficiency Technical Note, (ETN), which can be found at: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/otherdocs.shtml.

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students in further education have leave to remain in the UK as a member of a family in the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme; and how much in overseas tuition fees was paid by such students in each of the last five years.

Andy Burnham: I have been asked to reply.
	The figures requested are not held centrally as the Home Office does not record whether dependants of migrants under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme are in further education. However, dependants, aged 16 to 18, of migrants with leave under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme are allowed to study in the UK without paying fees. The Department for Education and Skills has no information on the specific immigration leave of overseas students in further education in England and cannot identify any fees they may pay.

Key Stage 2 Results

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills who takes decisions on which data are included in the published key stage 2 results; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: Decisions regarding the content and timing of the publication of key stage 2 data, published as National Statistics, are taken by the Head of Profession for Statistics. These decisions are taken in line with the National Statistics Code of Practice. Decisions regarding the content and timing of the Primary (KS2) Achievement and Attainment Tables are taken by Ministers.

Learning and Skills Council

Michael Wills: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administrative costs of (a) the Learning and Skills Council in Wiltshire and Swindon and (b) all Learning and Skills councils were in (i) 2003, (ii) 2004 and (iii) 2005.

Bill Rammell: Administration costs of local council's are a matter for the Learning and Skills Council. LSC's chief executive, Mark Haysom will write to the hon. Member with further information and a copy of his reply will be placed in the Library.
	The LSC's core administration costs have fallen steadily from 3.4 per cent. of total funding in 200102, to 2.5 per cent. of its planned total budget in 200506.
	The LSC is embarking upon a major transformation programme that will make it a smaller, more dynamic and more customer-focused organisation. This will build upon its existing strengths; further develop its relationships with providers and with its partners, and help push the highest proportion of its funding out through colleges and providers into front line delivery. At local level, the LSC will develop small teams of professional staff who will support the delivery of its priority objectives through strategic relationships with colleges, providers and other key stakeholders and so ensure that the needs of local employers and learners are met. I fully support the changes the LSC is making as I believe it will help bring about an organisation that is fit for purpose.
	Letter from Mark Haysom to Mr. Michael Wills, dated 9 November 2005
	I write to provide further information on your recent Parliamentary Question in which you asked the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the administrative costs of (a) the Learning and Skills Council in Swindon and Wiltshire and (b) all the Learning  Skills councils were in 2003, (ii) 2004 and (iii) 2005.
	The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) financial year covers the period 1 April 2004 to 31 March.
	The attached table shows the total administration expenditure of each of the Learning  Skills Council, its regional offices and national office during the financial years 200203, 200304 and 200405.
	I hope that you find this information helpful.
	
		Table 2: Administrative costs by LSC
		
			   Financial Year 
		
		
			  LSC Name 200405 200304 200203 
			 EE060 Norfolk 1,470,219 1,805,963 1,981,816 
			 EE070 Cambridgeshire 1,569,191 2,068,357 2,329,571 
			 EE080 Suffolk 1,468,409 1,762.619 1,695,017 
			 EE090 Bedfordshire and Luton 1,521,678 1 ,934,059 1,924,289 
			 EE100 Hertfordshire 1,930,225 2,448,685 2,297,987 
			 EE110 Essex 2,835,731 3,295,371 3,243,063 
			 EE900 East England Regional Office 380,229 0 0 
			 EM010 Derbyshire 2,048,732 2,469,016 2,397,296 
			 EM020 Nottinghamshire 2,348,914 2,959,344 3,205,982 
			 EM030 Lincolnshire and Rutland 1,418,725 1,749,342 1,825,183 
			 EM040 Leicestershire 2,367,323 2,454,287 2,375,832 
			 EM050 Northamptonshire 1,422,356 1,808,557 1,805,271 
			 EM900 East Midlands Regional Office 337,254 0 0 
			 GL120 London-North 2,154,313 2,610,722 2,694,684 
			 GL130 London-West 2,587,527 3,315,618 3,644,301 
			 GL140 London-Central 3,591,862 4,411,710 4,485,516 
			 GL150 London-East 4,236,950 4,972,332 4,585,676 
			 GL160 London-South 2,777,363 3,300,762 3,463,520 
			 GL900 Greater London Regional Office 284,024 0 0 
			 NE170 Northumberland 1,100,316 1,375,326 1,436,812 
			 NE180 Tyne and Wear 3,233,259 3,546,660 3,648,120 
			 NE190 County Durham 1,293,844 1,756,866 2,054,976 
			 NE200 Tees Valley 2,049,665 2,461,191 2,546,533 
			 NE900 North East Regional Office 21,466 0 0 
			 NW210 Cumbria 1,377,830 1,713,363 1,909,892 
			 NW220 Lancashire 2,531,682 3,044,097 3,137,275 
			 NW230 Greater Merseyside 3,252,741 3,937,629 4,265,898 
			 NW240 Greater Manchester 4,692,883 5,569,494 5,533,928 
			 NW250 Cheshire and Warrington 1,766,610 2,274,155 2,286,610 
			 NW900 North West Regional Office 72,538 0 0 
			 SE260 Milton Keynes, Oxon and Bucks 2,526,535 2,630,468 2,838,174 
			 SE270 Berkshire 2,190,217 2,737,881 2,536,686 
			 SE280 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 3,116,176 3,597,499 3,746,165 
			 SE290 Surrey 2,270,964 2,700.102 2,754,063 
			 SE300 Sussex 2,544,525 3,108,746 3,173,562 
			 SE310 Kent and Medway 3,228,074 3,676,781 3,948,310 
			 SE900 South East Regional Office 253,955 0 0 
			 SW320 Devon and Cornwall 3,125,682 3,327,553 3,689,940 
			 SW330 Somerset 1,358,010 1,720.098 1,663,936 
			 SW340 Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole 1,737,166 2,099,840 2,258,536 
			 SW350 West of England 2,442.757 2,986,288 3,201,167 
			 SW360 Wiltshire and Swindon 1,740,911 2,114.163 2,055,748 
			 SW370 Gloucestershire 1,548,140 2,146,143 2,328,816 
			 SW900 South West Regional Office 269,779 0 0 
			 WM380 Shropshire 1,499,731 1,618.893 1,443,114 
			 WM390 Staffordshire 1,777,020 2,473,728 2,411,065 
			 WM400 Black Country 2,562,023 2,958,276 2,980,075 
			 WM410 Birmingham and Solihull 3,502.543 3,748.183 3,704,107 
			 WM420 Herefordshire and Worcestershire 1,654,769 2,069,515 2,137.807 
			 WM430 Coventry and Warwickshire 1,909,149 2,227,032 2,253,091 
			 WM900 West Midlands Regional Office 127,905 0 0 
			 YH440 North Yorkshire 1,525.159 1,912.682 1,928.042 
			 YH450 West Yorkshire 3,513,807 4,640,313 4.825.085 
			 YH400 South Yorkshire 2,590,809 3,021,919 3,097.246 
			 YH470 Humberside 1,754,635 2,377,909 2,583,204 
			 YH900 Yorkshire Regional Office 120,090 0 0 
			 ANN National Office and Central costs 124,208.272 120,194.896 106,378.646 
			  Total 233,242,662 249,134,433 238,711,633 
		
	
	
		Administration costs per statutory accounts
		
			 000 
			  Financial Year 
			  200405 200304 200203 
		
		
			 Staff costs 140,514 149,097 134,195 
			 Other costs 74,061 82,937 89,070 
			 Depreciation, impairment and losses 18,669 17,099 15,449 
			  233,244 249,133 238,714

Learning and Skills Council

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Fareham (Mr. Hoban) of 18 October 2005, Official Report, column 962W, on the Learning and Skills Council, by whom those learners not funded by the Learning and Skills Council were funded.

Bill Rammell: There is a diverse range of possible sources of funding for Further Education (FE) provision that is delivered by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) but not funded by the LSC. The most common sources of funding for learners in 2003/04 include: the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE); the Department of Health, national health service (NHS) and regional health authorities; other HM Government Departments and public bodies; overseas funding; United Kingdom (UK) industry and commerce; private training organisations; the Teaching Training Agency (TTA); local education authorities (LEAs); New Deal for both young people and the long term unemployed; funding from Europe including the European Social Fund (ESF); and learners paying for full-cost courses themselves.

Learning and Skills Council

Stephen O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Fareham (Mr. Hoban) of 18 October 2005, Official Report, column 962W, on the Learning and Skills Council, in what circumstances the level is not specified.

Bill Rammell: Qualification level of courses delivered by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is not specified where no level is assigned to a course, or where the level is mixed or not known. The vast majority of such provision is:
	initial and diagnostic tests in literacy, language and numeracy;
	taster provision of one-day or less duration;
	vocational study not leading to a recognised qualification; and
	leisure courses.

Literacy and Numeracy

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what methods of assessment of (a) literacy and (b) numeracy skills are used as part of the recruitment process by employees of her Department;
	(2)  what proportion of new recruits to her Department do not have a level 2 qualification in English and mathematics.

Maria Eagle: In 2002, the last time the Department undertook a large recruitment of administrative staff, candidates were assessed via a selection process, which included written tests for numeracy and literacy.
	We are unable to provide information on proportion of new recruits to the Department who have a level 2 qualification as the Department has not undertaken an external recruitment campaign at administrative level since 2002. Our selection processes at this level are competency based, supplemented with written tests covering numeracy and literacywe do not recruit purely on qualifications.

Maintained Schools

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many maintained schools share their site with another school.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is not held centrally. This information would be available only from individual local authorities or schools.

National Employer Training Programme

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which companies were in receipt of funds as part of the National Employer Training Programme in 200405; and how much each received in each pilot area.

Phil Hope: Employer Training Pilots (ETP) were introduced in September 2002 to encourage employers to invest in skills and qualifications, particularly for low skilled trainees. The National Employer Training Programme (NETP) to be rolled-out from April 2006 will apply lessons learned from the Employer Training Pilots.
	Information on individual employers taking part in ETP is treated as commercial-in-confidence; and the cost of disaggregating data to a financial year would be disproportionate.
	The total number of employers who had participated in ETP since September 2002 (as of 3 November 2005) was 25,938. The numbers participating in each local Learning and Skills Council area involved were:
	
		
			   Percentage 
		
		
			 Berkshire 1,884 7.26 
			 Birmingham and Solihull 1,123 4.33 
			 Black Country 856 3.30 
			 Cambridgeshire 735 2.83 
			 County Durham 264 1.02 
			 Derbyshire 1,565 6.03 
			 Devon and Cornwall 1,142 4.40 
			 Essex 3,125 12.05 
			 Greater Manchester 3,054 11.77 
			 Kent and Medway 1,670 6.44 
			 Lancashire 764 2.95 
			 Leicestershire 1,285 4.95 
			 London East 1,373 5.29 
			 Northumberland 238 0.92 
			 Shropshire 857 3.30 
			 South Yorkshire 1,450 5.59 
			 Tees Valley 309 1.19 
			 Tyne and Wear 1,621 6.25 
			 West Yorkshire 1,189 4.58 
			 Wiltshire 1,434 5.53 
		
	
	The support received by employers, via the pilots, was mainly indirect with payments going to a skills broker, learning provider and Information, Advice and Guidance adviser, rather than directly to the employer. However in some, though not all, pilots employers did receive a wage compensation payment aimed at reimbursing them for the time their participating employees spent on training. The rate of wage compensation varied between pilots, from between zero to 150 of pay, but averaged 260 per learner. Based on an average of eight learners per employer over the period of the pilots, the average payment received per employer for wage compensation equates to 2,080. From Phase 3 of the Pilots (September 2004), employers only receive wage compensation for time off actually taken when a learner successfully completes their learning.

National Employer Training Programme

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of the financial impact on existing commercial providers of the introduction of the National Employer Training pilot.

Phil Hope: The new National Employer Training Programme (NETP) will be rolled-out from April 2006. It will offer employers informed choice between quality-assured, Learning and Skills Council approved training providers, whether colleges or other providers, that deliver the training employers want. It is based on the lessons learnt from the Employer Training Pilots (ETP) which have been running since September 2002.
	By September 2005, over 203,000 individual learners had participated in ETP. The amount allocated from the ETP budget to training expenditure since the launch of the Pilots is 120,878,086. This covers actual training costs (but not other elements of the budget such as initial training assessments or additional learner support).
	It is estimated that around 75 per cent. of ETP learning has been provided through commercial, private providers, and 25 per cent. by Further Education colleges. However, college engagement varies between ETP areasthe majority have 25 per cent. or higher college activity, with some reporting up to a 50:50 split of activity between private providers and colleges.

National Employer Training Programme

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of National Employer Training provision represents (a) provision which would have been provided previously at a fee to employers and (b) new provision which would not otherwise have been provided.

Phil Hope: Employer Training Pilots (ETP) were introduced in September 2002 to encourage employers to invest in skills and qualifications, particularly for low skilled trainees. The National Employer Training Programme (NETP) to be rolled-out from April 2006 will apply lessons learned from the Employer Training Pilots.
	NETP will give employers real choice over the training they offer their employees, and will respond directly to their business development needs, whether for basic or high level skills. Training will be delivered flexibly, including in the workplace. The Government will fully fund the training of employees undertaking basic skills and first full Level 2 qualifications. Therefore most training up to and including Level 2 will be free to employers and employees.
	By September 2005, over 25,000 employers had participated in ETP. A report by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) published in March 2005, Platform for Progression: Employer Training Pilots Year 2 Evaluation Report, found that half of the employers taking part in ETP had a previous involvement with either a business support agency, a training provider, or a national training initiative. One-third had been involved with at least one agency, provider or initiative. The remaining 14 per cent. had no previous involvement and could therefore be classified as harder-to-reach employers.
	The IES evaluation found that ETP employers have a relatively positive approach to training compared with average employers. Most adopt a strategic approach to training, express positive attitudes, and say that they provided at least some training to low-skilled employees.

Non-essential Learning

Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance she has issued to Learning and Skills Councils on the definition of non-essential learning; and what definition of this term her Department uses.

Bill Rammell: I have issued no guidance of this type. I do not recognise the term non-essential learning. I wrote to hon. and right hon. Members on 21 October outlining my Department's priorities for further education and training for the period 200608. More detailed information is provided in the Learning and Skills Council's publication Priorities for SuccessFunding for Learning and Skills. This document is available on the LSC's website: www.lsc.gov.uk.

Parenting Contracts

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what action is being taken by her Department to ensure that parenting contracts are effective;
	(2)  what assessment she has made of the contribution of parenting contracts to school discipline;
	(3)  what action is being taken by her Department to improve parental responsibility for pupil behaviour in school.

Jacqui Smith: Parenting contracts are available for school behaviour and attendance. They are formal agreements between parent and school or parent and local authority in which each side sets out the steps they will take to secure an improvement in the child's behaviour or attendance.
	My Department has provided dedicated support and advice to local authorities on the introduction of these measures and their effective implementation. To support further, guidance and examples of effective practice have been published on the departmental website.
	Parenting contracts are one of a range of strategies that schools and local authorities can use to improve school discipline. They can be used alone or in conjunction with other measures such as pastoral support programmes for pupils.

Qualifications

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of economically inactive adults without a Level 2 qualification are claiming benefits for people of working age.

Phil Hope: Analysis of the Labour Force Survey (Spring 2005) indicates that 51 per cent. of economically inactive people aged 1659/64, in England, are without a Level 2 qualification. Of those economically inactive people, approximately 53 per cent. claim benefits (other than child benefit). In comparison, approximately 31 per cent. of economically inactive people aged 1659/ 64, in England, who are qualified to NVQ level 2 equivalent or above, claim benefits (other than child benefit).

School Building Programme

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans there are to rebuild or remodel schools in (a) the Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) England.

Jacqui Smith: Complete information is not held in the form requested.
	The Department is continuing to increase its capital support for investment in schools in England, from 5.5 billion in 200506, rising to 6.3 billion in 200708. Much of this funding is allocated to local authorities and schools by needs related formulae, so that decisions on how to target these resources can be taken locally in accordance with local asset management plans.
	Building Schools for the Future (BSF), is our strategic programme which aims to rebuild and renew all secondary schools over 15 years starting in 200506. Prioritisation is based on our published criteria of relative educational and social need, which is being applied fairly and consistently, and all local authorities have been provided with indicative planning information to inform their own plans. We have announced those authorities that have joined the programme in the first three waves.
	They are:
	Wave 1: Bradford, Bristol, Gateshead, Greenwich, Knowsley, Lancashire, Leicester City, Leeds, Lewisham, Manchester, Newcastle upon Tyne, Newham, Sheffield, Solihull, South Tyneside, Southwark, Stoke on Trent, Sunderland, and Waltham Forest.
	Wave 2: Birmingham, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Kingston upon Hull, Lambeth, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Nottingham City, and Tower Hamlets.
	Wave 3: Barnsley, Durham, Derbyshire, Kent, Luton, North Lincolnshire, Salford, Sandwell, Tameside, and Westminster.
	For those projects in BSF waves 1 to 3, 12 schools in South Tyneside and Gateshead and 39 other schools in the north-east region will benefit from BSF investment. Nationally projects in waves 1 to 3 will cover around 350 schools.
	In addition, from 200809 we will be launching a new primary programme, with the aim of renewing at least half of primary school buildings over 15 years. We will be launching a consultation on that early in the new year.

School Expansions

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills whether there is a limit to the size to which a successful school can expand under the proposals in the White Paper: Higher Standards, Better Education for All.

Jacqui Smith: There is no maximum size to which a successful school may expand under the proposals in the White Paper. This is a matter for local determination. Both large and small schools may be successful. There are a range of strategies for the internal organisation of schools, and schools may spread their expertise by federation and collaboration as well as expansion.

School Expansions

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many schools she expects to apply to expand in each of the next five years after plans to change presumption of the local education authority to be in favour of such an application are implemented.

Jacqui Smith: A fast-track for the expansion of successful and popular secondary schools was introduced in August of this year. At the same time, statutory guidance reinforced the presumption that such proposals should be approved. Expansion of schools is a matter for the schools themselves and the local education authority, and we have no targets for the numbers that should expand. However, over 1,300 secondary schools currently have no spare capacity, and we estimate that some 80 schools a year might wish to expand.

School Expansions

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what evidence she has collated on the effects on schools of choosing whether to apply to expand the powers of local education authorities to restrict and refuse such applications.

Jacqui Smith: All maintained schools may publish their own proposals to expand, and local authorities may also publish proposals for the expansion of community and foundation schools. Local authorities may decide their own proposals if there are no objections. Proposals are otherwise decided by the local School Organisation Committee or, where the Committee cannot agree unanimously, by the Schools Adjudicator. Statutory guidance to the decision-makers says that there should be a presumption in favour of approval of proposals to expand by successful and popular schools, and we have made capital available to support the expansion of such schools.
	Local authorities may object to proposals by a governing body to expand their school, as may governing bodies to proposals by the authority if they do not agree. Four proposals by schools to expand have been rejected since the presumption in favour was introduced in June 2003.

School Food Trust

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills when she expects to name the board members of the School Food Trust.

Jacqui Smith: The Board members for the School Food Trust have now been appointed and are as follows:
	Chair
	Suzi Leather, interim Chair of the School Food Trust and also Chair of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority.
	Members
	Beverley Baker, Head of Commercial Services for Surrey County Council
	Frances Crook, Director of the Howard League for Penal Reform
	John Dyson, adviser to the British Hospitality Association on all food and technical matters
	Andrew Gillard, Programme Area Manager at Peterborough Regional College
	Julian Hunt, Editor of The Grocer and a school governor
	Maggie Jones, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at UNISON
	Paul Kelly, Corporate Affairs Director for Compass Group PLC
	Carmell McConnell, founder of Magic Breakfast
	Kristina Murrin, founder of What If!
	Sir John Oldham, Head of the National Primary Care Development Team
	Jeanette Orrey, school meals policy adviser for the Soil Association
	Rob Rees, interim Board member of the School Food Trust, former restaurateur, chef and adviser
	Sir Tom Shebbeare, Director of Charities to HRH the Prince of Wales
	Sheila Walker, Head of Catering Services at Birmingham City Council
	Ian Wasson, general manager of Devon Direct Services and former chair of LACA
	Adviser to the Trust
	Michael Holmes QBE, national spokesman on healthy eating and public sector procurement for the National Farmers Union

School Funding

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the (a) mean, (b) upper decile and (c) lower decile funding were for each (i) primary and (ii) secondary pupil in each local education authority school (A) in the last year for which information is available and (B) in 2000.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 7 November 2005
	The information requested is contained within the following table:
	
		
			  Number of schools included in analysis(21)(5508320022) Primary school budget share (plus grants) per pupil 
			  Primary Secondary Lower decile(23) Mean(24) Upper decile(23) 
			 Local authority name 200001 200506 200001 200506 200001 200506 200001 200506 200001 200506 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 49 49 8 9 2,020 2,930 2,160 3,180 2,360 3,560 
			 Barnet 90 89 21 19 1,970 2,780 2,230 3,290 2,660 4,230 
			 Barnsley 87 79 14 14 1,610 2,620 1,740 2,910 2,050 3,350 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 69 62 13 13 1,650 2,320 1,950 2,620 2,810 3,380 
			 Bedfordshire 147 146 57 57 1,570 2,380 1,780 2,720 2,710 3,960 
			 Bexley 63 59 16 16 1,650 2,460 1,830 2,760 2,160 3,510 
			 Birmingham 328 305 77 76 1,930 2,880 2,180 3,310 2,600 4,110 
			 Blackburn and Darwen 59 57 9 9 1,810 2,650 2,060 3,000 2,430 3,480 
			 Blackpool 33 30 8 8 1,650 2,530 1,790 2,890 2,020 3,370 
			 Bolton 105 99 16 16 1,740 2,450 1,890 2,720 2,150 3,150 
			 Bournemouth 28 27 9 10 1,640 2,310 1,840 2,570 2,200 3,000 
			 Bracknell Forest 33 29 6 6 1,710 2,590 1,830 2,730 2,040 3,000 
			 Bradford 149 159 25 28 1,680 2,690 1,800 3,080 2,020 3,700 
			 Brent 60 61 13 13 2,160 3,040 2,370 3,400 2,730 4,030 
			 Brighton and Hove 58 56 10 9 1,660 2,370 1,790 2,660 2,090 3,260 
			 Bromley 78 77 17 18 1,700 2,310 1,940 2,700 2,850 3,820 
			 Buckinghamshire 193 185 34 34 1,510 2,440 1,740 2,820 2,600 4,350 
			 Bury 69 63 14 14 1,590 2,470 1,760 2,710 2,110 3,080 
			 Calderdale 89 85 15 15 1,690 2,540 1,870 2,840 2,270 3,580 
			 Cambridgeshire 207 202 31 31 1,560 2,420 1,780 2,700 2,320 3,360 
			 Camden 42 41 10 9 2,340 3,460 2,630 3,970 2,900 4,500 
			 Cheshire 290 279 43 44 1,610 2,320 1,830 2,690 2,420 3,540 
			 City of Bristol 119 118 20 17 1,710 2,500 2,000 2,940 2,440 3,860 
			 City of Kingston-Upon-Hull 80 77 16 15 1,810 2,650 2,020 3,010 2,400 3,540 
			 City of London(22) 1 1 0 0 4,180 5,080 4,180 5,080 4,180 5,080 
			 Cornwall 245 237 31 31 1,610 2,560 1,860 2,880 2,810 4,360 
			 Coventry 89 84 19 19 1,680 2,600 1,840 2,990 2,130 3,910 
			 Croydon 94 90 21 21 1,940 2,670 2,170 3,060 2,500 3,910 
			 Cumbria 294 281 42 42 1,780 2,570 2,000 2,930 2,780 4,020 
			 Darlington 32 30 7 7 1,580 2,380 1,710 2,750 2,000 3,280 
			 Derby 79 78 14 13 1,470 2,520 1,760 3,040 2,280 3,860 
			 Derbyshire 362 358 47 47 1,460 2,350 1,670 2,720 2,490 3,980 
			 Devon 322 313 37 37 1,570 2,550 1,810 2,840 2,680 4,060 
			 Doncaster 113 103 17 16 1,760 2,580 1,880 2,800 2,100 3,360 
			 Dorset 138 138 37 34 1,540 2,300 1,780 2,760 2,380 3,850 
			 Dudley 82 82 22 22 1,760 2,560 1,910 2,880 2,210 3,400 
			 Durham 247 241 36 36 1,640 2,520 1,860 2,870 2,510 3,980 
			 Ealing 65 64 13 12 2,070 2,980 2,250 3,350 2,680 4,130 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 135 132 18 18 1,600 2,450 1,770 2,820 2,500 4,000 
			 East Sussex 155 156 26 27 1,620 2,410 1,800 2,780 2,370 3,840 
			 Enfield 66 67 16 17 1,930 2,870 2,130 3,290 2,370 3,740 
			 Essex 475 473 79 80 1,710 2,490 1,900 2,820 2,430 3,690 
			 Gateshead 74 75 10 10 1,760 2,530 1,930 2,840 2,270 3,520 
			 Gloucestershire 248 248 42 42 1,540 2,450 1,730 2,720 2,440 3,730 
			 Greenwich 69 64 14 13 2,180 3,060 2,490 3,490 2,890 3,980 
			 Hackney 59 53 10 9 2,560 3,810 2,810 4,120 3,210 4,610 
			 Halton 53 52 9 8 1,730 2,510 2,040 3,090 2,500 4,160 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 37 35 9 9 2,280 3,360 2,580 3,850 3,030 4,500 
			 Hampshire 438 432 71 71 1,690 2,470 1,880 2,840 2,430 3,690 
			 Haringey 70 63 11 10 2,100 3,170 2,260 3,530 2,470 3,880 
			 Harrow 56 54 10 10 1,960 2,880 2,210 3,310 2,620 3,950 
			 Hartlepool 30 30 6 6 1,640 2,570 1,820 2,950 2,460 3,930 
			 Havering 68 65 18 18 1,840 2,640 2,000 2,960 2,210 3,410 
			 Herefordshire 85 83 14 14 1,660 2,460 1,880 2,750 2,710 3,540 
			 Hertfordshire 426 408 85 82 1,710 2,440 1,910 2,780 2,320 3,540 
			 Hillingdon 67 66 17 15 1,900 2,920 2,080 3,250 2,430 3,700 
			 Hounslow 64 60 14 14 1,970 2,860 2,280 3,280 2,760 3,810 
			 Isle of Wight 46 46 21 21 1,920 2,670 2,080 2,950 2,660 3,750 
			 Isles of Scilly(22) 4 1 1 0 2,980 6,270 3,480 6,270 10,850 6,270 
			 Islington 49 45 9 9 2,190 3,480 2,420 3,900 2,650 4,450 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 26 26 4 4 2,880 3,850 3,110 4,240 3,540 4,780 
			 Kent 475 470 105 103 1,670 2,400 1,850 2,730 2,390 3,550 
			 Kingston upon Thames 37 37 10 10 1,850 2,800 2,000 3,080 2,330 3,370 
			 Kirklees 152 150 32 32 1,660 2,630 1,970 3,100 2,640 4,170 
			 Knowsley 60 59 11 11 1,740 2,490 1,860 2,870 2,040 3,560 
			 Lambeth 62 59 10 10 2,400 3,950 2,610 4,310 2,940 4,790 
			 Lancashire 502 486 89 88 1,600 2,500 1,840 2,900 2,530 4,010 
			 Leeds 244 222 43 40 1,760 2,660 1,960 3,050 2,370 3,800 
			 Leicester 87 84 16 16 1,700 2,420 1,900 2,800 2,130 3,440 
			 Leicestershire 226 226 54 54 1,590 2,390 1,730 2,670 2,450 3,880 
			 Lewisham 70 69 13 12 2,400 3,500 2,620 3,790 2,890 4,220 
			 Lincolnshire 289 287 63 63 1,630 2,270 1,820 2,540 2,590 3,460 
			 Liverpool 157 135 33 31 1,810 2,610 2,080 3,200 2,500 4,270 
			 Luton 57 57 12 12 1,780 2,650 1,990 3,080 2,260 3,510 
			 Manchester 150 134 25 22 1,800 2,640 1,950 2,960 2,150 3,430 
			 Medway 89 84 20 19 1,770 2,630 2,010 3,010 2,550 3,800 
			 Merton 49 43 11 8 2,020 2,910 2,210 3,200 2,620 3,740 
			 Middlesbrough 47 42 11 6 1,660 2,430 1,930 3,000 2,160 3,650 
			 Milton Keynes 82 89 11 10 1,620 2,480 1,790 2,820 2,560 3,840 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 76 72 21 14 1,770 2,350 2,050 2,830 2,480 3,740 
			 Newham 64 66 14 15 1,980 3,440 2,170 3,760 2,580 4,530 
			 Norfolk 385 385 52 52 1,700 2,440 1,940 2,840 2,800 4,250 
			 North East Lincolnshire 60 59 12 12 1,730 2,530 1,860 2,790 2,050 3,260 
			 North Lincolnshire 69 67 14 14 1,670 2,270 1,860 2,600 2,620 3,560 
			 North Somerset 65 65 10 10 1,580 2,380 1,780 2,710 2,280 3,610 
			 North Tyneside 56 56 20 15 1,590 2,450 1,750 2,710 2,030 3,350 
			 North Yorkshire 328 329 47 47 1,580 2,450 1,810 2,810 3,040 4,680 
			 Northamptonshire 270 265 59 39 1,730 2,370 1,920 2,700 2,370 3,590 
			 Northumberland 142 139 59 59 1,610 2,540 1,880 2,980 3,260 4,980 
			 Nottingham City 101 89 20 17 1,890 2,770 2,270 3,260 3,250 4,240 
			 Nottinghamshire 314 300 58 47 1,500 2,310 1,650 2,630 2,190 3,570 
			 Oldham 101 94 15 15 1,660 2,390 1,920 2,710 2,300 3,120 
			 Oxfordshire 234 233 45 34 1,700 2,490 1,880 2,780 2,420 3,550 
			 Peterborough 57 58 13 13 1,720 2,580 2,010 2,950 2,400 3,610 
			 Plymouth 78 74 18 17 1,680 2,480 1,880 2,780 2,270 3,390 
			 Poole 30 29 9 9 1,750 2,400 1,860 2,600 2,150 3,120 
			 Portsmouth 53 53 10 10 1,900 2,660 2,060 3,030 2,450 3,720 
			 Reading 38 37 8 7 1,650 2,470 1,830 2,850 2,090 3,270 
			 Redbridge 52 51 16 17 1,740 2,670 1,870 2,930 2,040 3,220 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 51 45 13 11 1,690 2,410 1,940 2,860 2,440 4,020 
			 Richmond upon Thames 39 41 8 8 1,880 2,760 2,050 3,100 2,370 3,840 
			 Rochdale 76 72 14 14 1,610 2,650 1,780 3,040 2,170 3,610 
			 Rotherham 110 104 17 16 1,650 2,490 1,850 2,800 2,150 3,370 
			 Rutland 18 17 3 3 1,810 2,610 2,050 3,040 2,400 4,460 
			 Salford 84 83 15 14 1,640 2,340 1,840 2,800 2,160 3,400 
			 Sandwell 102 98 20 18 1,740 2,580 1,960 2,920 2,340 3,490 
			 Sefton 90 82 22 20 1,740 2,500 1,980 2,840 2,590 3,540 
			 Sheffield 148 140 27 27 1,620 2,340 1,890 2,770 2,420 3,540 
			 Shropshire 144 143 22 22 1,520 2,410 1,730 2,670 2,250 3,540 
			 Slough 31 27 11 11 1,970 2,720 2,230 3,010 2,560 3,350 
			 Solihull 68 67 13 13 1,620 2,300 1,820 2,630 2,120 3,120 
			 Somerset 224 224 39 39 1,660 2,430 1,870 2,800 2,510 4,100 
			 South Gloucestershire 97 96 14 14 1,560 2,310 1,740 2,630 2,240 3,530 
			 South Tyneside 57 53 11 10 1,720 2,530 1,900 2,950 2,150 4,300 
			 Southampton 67 63 14 14 1,930 2,550 2,150 2,950 2,600 3,690 
			 Southend 43 35 12 12 1,850 2,450 2,020 2,830 2,330 3,350 
			 Southwark 71 72 12 12 2,470 3,670 2,660 4,080 2,870 4,610 
			 St. Helens 60 56 12 11 1,680 2,470 1,840 2,740 2,060 3,080 
			 Staffordshire 313 304 69 68 1,600 2,420 1,740 2,680 2,200 3,500 
			 Stockport 103 96 14 14 1,630 2,400 1,820 2,730 2,140 3,360 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 64 62 13 14 1,690 2,550 1,930 2,900 2,410 3,550 
			 Stoke on Trent 88 70 17 17 1,630 2,490 1,750 2,770 2,000 3,090 
			 Suffolk 255 252 78 78 1,740 2,400 1,960 2,780 2,920 4,020 
			 Sunderland 96 84 17 18 1,780 2,560 2,040 2,870 2,540 3,420 
			 Surrey 327 317 52 53 1,710 2,470 1,900 2,860 2,430 3,860 
			 Sutton 43 41 14 14 1,860 2,590 2,050 2,890 2,290 3,510 
			 Swindon 70 67 11 10 1,580 2,300 1,760 2,590 2,190 3,040 
			 Tameside 79 76 18 18 1,660 2,460 1,830 2,750 2,300 3,460 
			 Telford and Wrekin 66 58 13 13 1,540 2,320 1,750 2,690 2,090 3,340 
			 Thurrock 47 45 10 10 1,780 2,610 1,920 2,870 2,120 3,300 
			 Torbay 33 31 8 8 1,650 2,470 1,800 2,720 2,150 3,550 
			 Tower Hamlets 73 69 15 15 2,750 4,090 3,010 4,400 3,320 4,870 
			 Trafford 123 73 31 18 1,590 2,270 1,800 2,570 2,300 3,520 
			 Wakefield 130 123 18 18 1,530 2,640 1,670 2,940 1,940 3,650 
			 Walsall 94 93 20 19 1,700 2,580 1,920 2,930 2,260 3,600 
			 Waltham Forest 65 58 16 17 2,090 3,000 2,270 3,290 2,520 3,710 
			 Wandsworth 56 56 9 10 2,140 3,210 2,350 3,630 2,610 4,240 
			 Warrington 74 71 12 12 1,620 2,380 1,790 2,650 2,200 3,360 
			 Warwickshire 198 195 37 37 1,660 2,350 1,860 2,670 2,330 3,360 
			 West Berkshire 68 64 10 10 1,680 2,570 1,950 2,900 2,850 4,140 
			 West Sussex 248 242 39 40 1,710 2,450 1,900 2,740 2,700 3,660 
			 Westminster 40 40 8 8 2,490 3,530 2,760 4,150 3,050 4,720 
			 Wigan 112 106 21 21 1,650 2,480 1,840 2,780 2,170 3,560 
			 Wiltshire 217 215 33 32 1,620 2,350 1,810 2,620 2,540 3,440 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 46 46 14 13 1,760 2,610 2,050 2,960 2,700 3,800 
			 Wirral 101 101 23 22 1,560 2,330 1,770 2,710 2,130 3,540 
			 Wokingham 54 52 9 9 1,640 2,490 1,800 2,790 2,170 3,590 
			 Wolverhampton 89 80 18 18 1,710 2,530 1,920 2,960 2,330 3,660 
			 Worcestershire 197 190 61 57 1,580 2,410 1,790 2,750 2,390 3,610 
			 York 58 54 11 11 1,640 2,350 1,820 2,670 2,210 3,270 
		
	
	
		
			  Secondary school budget share (plus grants)  per pupil 
			  Lower decile(23) Mean(24) Upper decile(23) 
			 Local authority name 200001 200506 200001 200506 200001 200506 
		
		
			 Barking and Dagenham 2,800 4,190 2,880 4,430 2,990 5,210 
			 Barnet 2,700 3,820 2,880 4,200 3,030 4,600 
			 Barnsley 2,300 3,370 2,440 3,750 2,620 4,280 
			 Bath and North East Somerset 2,450 3,100 2,540 3,280 2,860 3,800 
			 Bedfordshire 1,880 2,610 2,320 3,280 2,760 3,760 
			 Bexley 2,490 3,470 2,560 3,780 2,640 4,190 
			 Birmingham 2,620 3,840 2,890 4,290 3,390 5,210 
			 Blackburn and Darwen 2,440 3,460 2,640 3,630 2,880 3,880 
			 Blackpool 2,240 3,470 2,380 3,610 2,630 3,890 
			 Bolton 2,430 3,420 2,560 3,670 2,750 4,100 
			 Bournemouth 2,360 3,230 2,470 3,460 2,600 4,070 
			 Bracknell Forest 2,530 3,440 2,590 3,650 2,740 4,170 
			 Bradford 2,290 3,610 2,470 3,860 2,720 4,430 
			 Brent 3,040 4,370 3,170 4,700 3,310 5,300 
			 Brighton and Hove 2,460 3,360 2,580 3,580 2,870 4,010 
			 Bromley 2,520 3,610 2,630 3,770 2,830 4,020 
			 Buckinghamshire 2,120 3,220 2,260 3,400 2,360 3,640 
			 Bury 2,290 3,290 2,500 3,560 2,700 3,940 
			 Calderdale 2,370 3,450 2,450 3,680 2,750 4,360 
			 Cambridgeshire 2,200 2,920 2,370 3,270 2,710 3,900 
			 Camden 3,190 4,780 3,510 5,090 3,850 5,620 
			 Cheshire 2,300 3,050 2,460 3,290 2,970 3,840 
			 City of Bristol 2,580 3,680 2,840 4,150 3,330 4,720 
			 City of Kingston-Upon-Hull 2,410 3,410 2,550 3,750 2,850 4,440 
			 City of London(22)   
			 Cornwall 2,230 3,440 2,350 3,590 2,440 3,790 
			 Coventry 2,460 3,510 2,560 3,770 2,790 4,310 
			 Croydon 2,580 3,390 2,790 3,860 3,120 4,510 
			 Cumbria 2,450 3,420 2,600 3,640 3,080 4,410 
			 Darlington 2,410 3,580 2,480 3,730 2,560 3,960 
			 Derby 2,350 3,470 2,590 3,790 3,330 4,640 
			 Derbyshire 2,270 3,290 2,450 3,560 2,790 4,160 
			 Devon 2,310 3,230 2,430 3,380 2,540 3,490 
			 Doncaster 2,530 3,640 2,670 3,870 2,780 4,080 
			 Dorset 1,780 2,560 2,300 3,400 2,640 3,850 
			 Dudley 2,330 3,330 2,490 3,590 2,770 4,040 
			 Durham 2,320 3,310 2,490 3,570 2,770 4,120 
			 Ealing 2,750 4,250 2,900 4,510 3,220 4,960 
			 East Riding of Yorkshire 2,280 3,280 2,350 3,430 2,440 3,660 
			 East Sussex 2,440 3,330 2,610 3,530 2,720 3,800 
			 Enfield 2,710 3,990 2,850 4,240 3,020 4,590 
			 Essex 2,500 3,450 2,610 3,690 2,780 4,040 
			 Gateshead 2,350 3,530 2,450 3,850 2,710 4,450 
			 Gloucestershire 2,230 3,390 2,330 3,590 2,460 3,900 
			 Greenwich 3,020 4,240 3,320 4,610 3,640 4,960 
			 Hackney 3,400 5,000 3,610 5,140 3,810 5,400 
			 Halton 2,500 3,820 2,730 4,140 3,570 4,780 
			 Hammersmith and Fulham 2,990 4,010 3,410 4,890 3,890 5,700 
			 Hampshire 2,360 3,340 2,490 3,540 2,810 3,970 
			 Haringey 2,920 4,420 3,090 4,630 3,320 4,980 
			 Harrow 2,780 3,990 2,920 4,380 3,210 4,770 
			 Hartlepool 2,540 3,830 2,620 3,990 2,710 4,200 
			 Havering 2,720 3,880 2,840 4,170 3,130 4,860 
			 Herefordshire 2,260 3,210 2,400 3,430 2,700 3,710 
			 Hertfordshire 2,430 3,400 2,550 3,670 2,800 4,010 
			 Hillingdon 2,780 3,960 2,960 4,210 4,030 4,540 
			 Hounslow 2,620 3,660 2,910 3,960 3,170 4,230 
			 Isle of Wight 1,970 2,840 2,410 3,390 2,740 3,750 
			 Isles of Scilly(22) 5,370  5,370  5,370  
			 Islington 3,100 4,770 3,320 5,050 3,540 5,230 
			 Kensington and Chelsea 3,810 5,390 3,950 5,570 4,030 5,790 
			 Kent 2,410 3,290 2,520 3,530 2,780 4,030 
			 Kingston upon Thames 2,550 3,880 2,620 4,010 2,760 4,270 
			 Kirklees 2,030 3,000 2,550 3,720 2,970 4,930 
			 Knowsley 2,790 3,600 2,860 3,770 2,920 4,070 
			 Lambeth 3,410 4,870 3,680 5,190 3,910 5,600 
			 Lancashire 2,230 3,130 2,500 3,480 2,890 3,900 
			 Leeds 2,450 3,460 2,700 3,770 3,340 4,410 
			 Leicester 2,300 3,410 2,430 3,760 2,590 4,200 
			 Leicestershire 2,030 2,850 2,360 3,360 2,700 3,810 
			 Lewisham 3,390 4,580 3,510 4,800 3,660 5,270 
			 Lincolnshire 2,430 3,240 2,540 3,410 2,800 3,700 
			 Liverpool 2,690 3,820 2,830 4,110 3,090 4,690 
			 Luton 2,560 3,750 2,730 3,950 2,960 4,150 
			 Manchester 2,520 3,770 2,690 3,990 2,930 4,260 
			 Medway 2,520 3,640 2,610 3,840 2,880 4,210 
			 Merton 2,120 3,730 2,680 4,220 3,190 5,080 
			 Middlesbrough 2,390 3,760 2,810 4,170 3,450 5,020 
			 Milton Keynes 2,560 3,430 2,720 3,680 2,820 3,960 
			 Newcastle upon Tyne 1,930 3,360 2,540 3,820 2,870 4,090 
			 Newham 3,020 4,580 3,220 4,800 3,480 5,130 
			 Norfolk 2,420 3,250 2,600 3,480 2,920 3,880 
			 North East Lincolnshire 2,420 3,340 2,590 3,480 2,900 4,100 
			 North Lincolnshire 2,270 3,050 2,460 3,330 2,820 3,890 
			 North Somerset 2,360 3,290 2,410 3,470 2,480 3,870 
			 North Tyneside 1,840 2,820 2,440 3,780 2,790 4,260 
			 North Yorkshire 2,380 3,160 2,560 3,430 2,920 3,890 
			 Northamptonshire 2,120 3,340 2,570 3,610 2,820 3,850 
			 Northumberland 1,770 2,620 2,190 3,410 2,710 4,100 
			 Nottingham City 2,590 3,890 2,850 4,190 3,410 4,880 
			 Nottinghamshire 2,200 3,310 2,380 3,500 2,660 3,740 
			 Oldham 2,550 3,610 2,710 3,910 3,140 4,520 
			 Oxfordshire 2,080 3,430 2,440 3,620 2,720 3,830 
			 Peterborough 2,500 3,700 2,760 4,000 3,240 4,690 
			 Plymouth 2,500 3,490 2,580 3,690 2,720 3,930 
			 Poole 2,300 3,060 2,570 3,610 2,960 4,290 
			 Portsmouth 2,550 3,540 2,640 3,810 2,800 4,320 
			 Reading 2,570 3,860 2,690 4,070 2,950 4,780 
			 Redbridge 2,680 3,710 2,760 3,940 2,890 4,150 
			 Redcar and Cleveland 2,390 3,410 2,660 3,770 3,200 4,440 
			 Richmond upon Thames 2,510 3,930 2,610 4,110 3,100 4,420 
			 Rochdale 2,410 3,770 2,560 4,040 2,820 4,480 
			 Rotherham 2,460 3,570 2,590 3,810 2,770 4,350 
			 Rutland 2,560 3,470 2,710 3,730 2,880 4,110 
			 Salford 2,330 3,280 2,450 3,510 2,610 3,810 
			 Sandwell 2,370 3,600 2,580 3,850 2,940 4,180 
			 Sefton 2,520 3,570 2,690 3,800 3,150 4,330 
			 Sheffield 2,240 3,170 2,450 3,520 2,740 3,960 
			 Shropshire 2,360 3,260 2,480 3,470 2,670 3,760 
			 Slough 2,700 4,110 2,930 4,270 3,240 4,570 
			 Solihull 2,310 3,110 2,390 3,360 2,490 3,710 
			 Somerset 2,070 3,040 2,420 3,350 2,770 3,830 
			 South Gloucestershire 2,370 3,410 2,440 3,540 2,490 3,710 
			 South Tyneside 2,390 3,420 2,460 3,790 2,620 5,010 
			 Southampton 2,580 3,450 2,710 3,810 2,940 4,420 
			 Southend 2,750 3,610 2,840 3,850 2,950 4,090 
			 Southwark 3,290 5,020 3,510 5,170 3,620 5,460 
			 St. Helens 2,480 3,590 2,610 3,850 2,930 4,130 
			 Staffordshire 1,880 2,850 2,310 3,450 2,550 3,900 
			 Stockport 2,390 3,120 2,440 3,380 2,530 3,700 
			 Stockton-on-Tees 2,260 3,400 2,490 3,870 2,820 4,650 
			 Stoke on Trent 2,310 3,530 2,440 3,720 2,670 4,010 
			 Suffolk 2,040 2,800 2,460 3,440 2,790 3,820 
			 Sunderland 2,410 3,470 2,510 3,710 2,670 4,000 
			 Surrey 2,250 3,220 2,370 3,410 2,610 3,720 
			 Sutton 2,450 3,630 2,620 3,890 2,830 4,340 
			 Swindon 2,250 3,090 2,430 3,230 2,500 3,380 
			 Tameside 2,300 3,320 2,450 3,620 2,690 4,090 
			 Telford and Wrekin 2,350 3,300 2,610 3,660 3,140 4,100 
			 Thurrock 2,450 3,310 2,640 3,660 2,900 4,190 
			 Torbay 2,360 3,230 2,520 3,560 2,640 3,790 
			 Tower Hamlets 3,610 5,260 3,830 5,510 4,070 5,870 
			 Trafford 2,400 3,220 2,550 3,500 2,820 4,260 
			 Wakefield 2,190 3,150 2,260 3,310 2,340 3,500 
			 Walsall 2,330 3,490 2,540 3,700 2,860 4,040 
			 Waltham Forest 2,900 4,100 3,150 4,500 3,600 5,020 
			 Wandsworth 3,010 4,250 3,100 4,470 3,250 5,020 
			 Warrington 2,350 3,370 2,490 3,580 2,660 3,900 
			 Warwickshire 2,300 3,020 2,450 3,290 2,690 3,720 
			 West Berkshire 2,430 3,620 2,500 3,740 2,640 3,850 
			 West Sussex 2,310 3,300 2,520 3,560 2,750 4,030 
			 Westminster 3,210 4,860 3,590 5,110 3,860 5,480 
			 Wigan 2,430 3,460 2,580 3,690 2,740 4,090 
			 Wiltshire 2,250 3,210 2,400 3,340 2,670 3,850 
			 Windsor and Maidenhead 2,040 3,260 2,550 3,780 3,070 4,130 
			 Wirral 2,470 3,540 2,570 3,690 2,770 3,910 
			 Wokingham 2,400 3,370 2,470 3,530 2,570 3,710 
			 Wolverhampton 2,550 3,720 2,750 4,020 3,200 4,690 
			 Worcestershire 1,750 2,690 2,250 3,340 2,590 3,840 
			 York 2,370 3,300 2,520 3,560 2,710 4,090 
		
	
	(21) Only schools open for the whole of the financial year are included in the analysis. The number of schools in each authority used in the calculation of the mean and deciles is also provided as each authority has varying numbers of primary and secondary schools which should be borne in mind when interpreting these decilesas a decile for an authority with very few schools can be somewhat meaningless.
	(22) City of London local authority have one primary school and zero secondary schools. On the 1 April 2002 Isles of Scilly amalgamated all their maintained primary and secondary schools into one school which is treated as a primary school for the purposes of Section 52.
	(23) The lower decile budget share (plus grants) per pupil is calculated such that 10 per cent. of schools within that authority have per pupil figures below this amount. Similarly, the upper decile amount has 90 per cent. of schools within the authority receiving less than figure.
	(24) The mean amount for an authority is calculated as the sum of all that authority's primary or secondary schools budget share plus grants divided by the total number of pupils at the primary or secondary schools within that authority.
	Notes:
	1. Budget share (plus grants) is the combination of the schools individual budget share plus any devolved standards fund and Excellence in Cities (EiC) grants allocated to the school. In 200506 the Schools Standards Grant is also included and this contributed 856 million to the money allocated to primary and secondary schools in England.
	2. The amount of money delegated to schools depends very much on the individual local authorities own policy for funding their schools. Different authority's retain varying amounts of funding centrally to spend on behalf of their schools while others chose to give schools more autonomy over how they spend their money by devolving more funding to the individual school.
	3. The pupil numbers used to calculate the per pupil amounts are as reported by the local authority on their section 52 budget statement comprising the full time equivalent number pupils registered at the school used for the initial determination of the school's budget share under the local authority's allocation formula.
	4. Figures are taken from section 52 budget 200506 as reported by LEAs and rounded to the nearest 10.

School Funding

Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which (a) secondary and (b) primary school received (i) the highest and (ii) the lowest allocation per pupil in each local education authority in the last year for which information is available.

Jacqui Smith: holding answer 7 November 2005
	The available information has been placed in the House Libraries.

Schools (Hemel Hempstead)

Michael Penning: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many pupils left school at the age of 16 years with fewer than five A*-C GCSE grades in (a) Hemel Hempstead constituency and (b) Hertfordshire in each of the last five years.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is given in the following table.
	
		Percentage of 15-year-olds(25) achieving less than five A*-C grades at GCSE and Equivalent(26)
		
			  Hemel Hempstead parliamentary constituency Hertfordshire local authority 
		
		
			 2000 52.7 44.6 
			 2001 56.8 43.7 
			 2002 54. 1 43.3 
			 2003 54.6 41.5 
			 2004(27) 51.6 41.9 
		
	
	(25) Pupils aged 15 at the beginning of the academic year (i.e. 31 August).
	(26) Figures are for GCSE and Equivalent qualifications for 2004. All previous years are for GCSE/GNVQ only.
	(27) 2004 is the latest year for which figures are available at both parliamentary constituency and local authority level.

Science

Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many students have gained (a) an A-Level, (b) an AS Level and (c) a GCSE in (i) biology or human biology, (ii) chemistry and (iii) physics in each year since 1997, broken down by grade; and if she will make a statement.

Jacqui Smith: pursuant to the reply, 2 November 2005, Official Report, c. 120505
	There was an error with the rounding in the A-Level table.
	
		(a) A level examination results of 16 to 18-yearold(28) students by grade -- Thousand
		
			  A B C D E Other(30) A-E passes Total(33) 
		
		
			 Biological sciences
			 1997 7.02 9.35 9.17 8.5 7.01 6.55 41.05 47.60 
			 1998 7.93 9.57 9.46 8.67 7.08 6.18 42.71 48.90 
			 1999 8.21 9.07 9.3 8.44 6.6 5.57 41.62 47.19 
			 2000 8.19 9.16 9.19 8.17 6.44 5.04 41.15 46.19 
			 2001 8.32 8.95 8.87 7.59 6.11 4.75 39.85 44.59 
			 2002 9.66 8.88 8.99 8.18 6.17 3.53 41.87 45.41 
			 2003 9.48 9.15 8.96 7.68 5.93 2.71 41.2 43.9 
			 2004 9.96 9.48 9.19 7.69 5.58 2.34 41.9 44.24 
			 2005(29) 10.52 9.98 9.45 7.93 5.7 2.31 43.57 45.88 
			 Chemistry 
			 1997 7.78 7.73 6.69 5.39 4.34 4.50 31.93 36.43 
			 1998 8.77 7.78 6.94 5.48 4.10 4.04 33.07 37.10 
			 1999 8.88 7.74 6.76 5.34 3.76 3.36 32.48 35.83 
			 2000 9.03 7.82 6.58 5.19 3.52 3.15 32.14 35.29 
			 2001 8.98 7.43 6.30 4.77 3.52 2.87 31.01 33.87 
			 2002 9.13 7.5 6.20 4.71 3.17 1.61 30.71 32.32 
			 2003 9.06 7.52 5.89 4.42 2.95 1.23 29.83 31.07 
			 2004 9.76 7.85 6.13 4.43 2.91 1.06 31.07 32.13 
			 2005(29) 9.9 8.30 6.39 4.64 2.92 1.16 32.15 33.31 
			 Physics 
			 1997 6.21 6.21 5.25 4.5 3.28 3.33 25.45 28.78 
			 1998 6.80 6.15 5.54 4.61 3.37 3.21 26.46 29.67 
			 1999 7.21 5.93 5.55 4.55 3.35 2.96 26.59 29.55 
			 2000 7.1 5.61 5.17 4.27 3.19 2.84 25.35 28.19 
			 2001 7.04 5.61 5.17 4.13 3.23 2.86 25.17 28.03 
			 2002 7.49 5.69 5.16 4.49 3.26 1.77 26.09 27.86 
			 2003 7.21 5.51 4.87 4.19 3.11 1.39 24.89 26.28 
			 2004 7.1 5.12 4.71 3.78 2.72 1.18 23.43 24.61 
			 2005(29) 6.92 5.15 4.48 3.75 2.72 1.17 23.01 24.18 
		
	
	
		(b) AS level examination results of 16 to 18-year-old(28) students by grade -- Thousand
		
			  A B C D E Other(30) A-E passes Total(33) 
		
		
			 Biological sciences
			 2001 9.0 8.5 9.1 8.7 7.1 8.5 42.4 50.9 
			 2002 9.3 8.3 8.9 8.7 7.8 10.1 42.9 53.0 
			 2003 8.5 8.2 9.0 9.3 9.1 11.4 44.1 55.4 
			 2004 8.4 8.7 9.3 9.6 9.0 11.2 45.0 56.2 
			 2005(29) 8.2 8.8 9.8 9.6 9.2 11.3 45.7 56.9 
			 Chemistry 
			 2001 7.7 6.7 6.3 5.3 3.9 4.8 30.0 34.8 
			 2002 7.4 6.3 6.3 5.8 4.8 5.5 30.6 36.1 
			 2003 7.4 6.5 6.5 6.2 5.2 6.0 31.9 37.9 
			 2004 7.2 6.6 6.7 6.3 5.4 6.5 32.1 38.6 
			 2005(29) 7.3 7.1 7.0 6.4 5.6 6.7 33.4 40.1 
			 Physics 
			 2001 6.7 5.4 5.4 4.6 3.6 4.5 25.7 30.1 
			 2002 6.6 5.3 5.3 4.7 4.0 5.4 25.9 31.2 
			 2003 6.1 4.9 5.0 4.6 4.3 5.4 25.0 30.4 
			 2004 5.9 4.8 5.0 4.7 4.1 5.4 24.5 29.9 
			 2005(29) 5.6 4.8 4.9 4.6 4.0 5.2 23.9 29.2 
		
	
	
		(c) GCSE examination results of 15-yearold(28) pupils by grade -- Thousand
		
			  A* A B C D E F G U(31) X(32) Total(33) 
		
		
			 Biological sciences   
			 1997 4.4 9.8 11.3 6.7 2.4 1.1 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.1 36.6 
			 1998 4.7 10.6 10.6 7.6 2.8 1.0 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 37.9 
			 1999 5.7 10.4 11.0 7.5 2.8 0.9 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.0 38.8 
			 2000 5.7 10.9 10.8 7.8 2.8 0.8 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.0 39.4 
			 2001 6.7 10.8 11.0 7.9 2.8 0.8 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.0 40.5 
			 2002 6.8 11.2 11.2 7.5 2.6 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 40.6 
			 2003 7.2 11.8 11.7 8.3 3.0 0.9 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.1 43.6 
			 2004 8.0 12.7 11.5 8.1 2.9 0.8 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.0 44.8 
			 2005(29) 8.5 13.5 12.0 8.6 3.1 0.8 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.0 47.5 
			 Chemistry
			 1997 5.5 8.2 10.5 7.3 2.2 0.9 0.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 35.1 
			 1998 5.4 10.2 10.1 7.1 2.4 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 36.6 
			 1999 6.3 10.2 9.9 7.3 2.7 0.8 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.0 37.7 
			 2000 6.4 10.3 9.8 7.4 2.8 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 37.7 
			 2001 6.6 10.8 9.8 7.6 2.8 0.7 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 38.8 
			 2002 6.9 10.8 9.7 7.7 2.8 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 39.1 
			 2003 7.7 11.1 10.3 8.6 3.1 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 42.0 
			 2004 8.8 11.6 10.4 8.2 3.0 0.7 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.0 43.1 
			 2005(29) 9.6 11.8 11.0 8.8 3.0 0.6 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 45.1 
			 Physics
			 1997 5.3 8.4 10.4 6.6 2.2 1.0 0.4 0.1 0.1 0.1 34.5 
			 1998 6.3 9.3 9.4 7.2 2.7 0.8 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0 36.2 
			 1999 7.4 9.5 9.2 7.2 2.7 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0 37.2 
			 2000 6.9 10.1 9.5 7.1 2.8 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 37.5 
			 2001 7.1 10.5 9.4 7.6 2.8 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 38.4 
			 2002 7.6 10.5 9.1 7.6 2.8 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 38.7 
			 2003 7.9 11.1 9.8 8.1 3.1 0.7 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 41.1 
			 2004 8.7 11.8 10.1 8.1 2.8 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 42.5 
			 2005(29) 9.4 12.2 11.0 8.2 2.9 0.6 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 44.7 
		
	
	(28) Age at the beginning of the academic year (i.e. 31 August).
	Figures for 2005 are provisional. All other figures are final.
	(29) Includes ungraded, no award (absent/declined) and pending.
	(30) Grade U refers to pupils who are ungraded or unclassified.
	(31) Grade X refers to pupils who were absent or results pending.
	(32) As numbers are rounded, figures in each row will not sum exactly to row totals.

Secondary School Pupils

Edward Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what estimate she has made of the number of secondary school pupils in (a) England and (b) each region for each year between 2006 and 2016 (i) in total and (ii) broken down by (A) 10 to 14 and (B) 15 to 19-year-olds.

Jacqui Smith: The information requested is as follows:
	(a) National projections for the number of secondary school age pupils in maintained schools (secondary, special and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs)) are shown in the following table.
	
		Pupil projections (full-time equivalent)number at January, aged at start of the school year
		
			  Maintained secondary and special schools and PRUs 
			  Aged 10 to 14 Aged 15 to 19 
		
		
			 2006 2,395,900 949,600 
			 2007 2,343,600 953,500 
			 2008 2,290,400 952,200 
		
	
	Beyond 2008 the degree of uncertainty in making projections increases substantially particularly when looking at separate types of school and when considering future levels of participation beyond age 16.
	For all schools (also including academies and the independent sector) for ages 11 to 15 the projected numbers of pupils are:
	
		
			  Number 
		
		
			 2006 3,242,800 
			 2007 3,205,300 
			 2008 3,153,500 
			 2009 3,117,700 
			 2010 3,089,000 
			 2011 3,054,200 
			 2012 3,017,600 
			 2013 2,979,200 
			 2014 2,924,700 
			 2015 2,907,600 
			 2016 2,915,500 
		
	
	We know that the overall number of 16 to 19-year-olds will fall beyond 2008. At the same time the Department is committed to increasing 16 to 19 participation to 90 per cent. of 17-year-olds by 2015, as set out in the 14 to 19 Education and Skills White Paper published in February 2005. Such an increase in participation would offset the falling number of 16 to 19-year-olds so we might expect the number of 16 to 19-year-olds in schools to remain broadly constant between 2008 and 2016.
	(b) Pupil projections by region are not available for the time period requested. The Department has recently released pupil number projections at local education authority level for 2006 and 2007 which it plans to use in setting authorities' Dedicated Schools Grant guaranteed units of funding. These projections are for all children aged three to 15 funded by authorities, and are not split by educational setting. They can be seen at the following address: http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=9224
	To improve comparability between the national projections given above and the pupil number projections used in setting authorities' DSGs the following table provides projections for the pupils aged 11 to 15 and 16 to 19 in maintained secondary and special schools and PRUs, also including a few children aged 11 or over still in primary school.
	
		Pupil projections (full-time equivalent) number at January, aged at start of the school year
		
			  Maintained primary, secondary and special schools and PRUs 
			  Aged 11 to 15 Aged 16 to 19 
		
		
			 2006 2,975,500 350,900 
			 2007 2,926,700 351,900 
			 2008 2,866,200 356,900

Sex and Relationships Education

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has to make sex and relationships education part of the core national curriculum.

Jacqui Smith: In all maintained secondary schools, sex education is a statutory element of science which is a core subject in the national curriculum. Sex and relationship education is discretionary in primary schools, though primary schools are encouraged to have a sex and relationship education programme tailored to the age and the physical and emotional maturity of the children. Schools are encouraged to deliver sex and relationship education through the non-statutory personal social and health education framework.

Social Mobility

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of education upon social mobility.

Jacqui Smith: In the Secretary of State's speech to IPPR on 26 July 2005, she set out the Government's commitment to help develop a society which can foster greater social mobility. The Secretary of State's speech underlined the important role that education can play in improving life chances for all individuals, and it set out the forward looking context for our programme of reform across the system.
	Education has an important role to play in promoting social mobility. For example analysis by researchers at the London School of Economics in their report published by the Sutton Trust: Intergenerational Mobility in Europe and North America estimate that measures of education account for 35 to 40 per cent. of the intergenerational income mobility for cohorts born in 1958 and 1970.

Social Mobility

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action is being taken by her Department to promote social mobility.

Jacqui Smith: Improving life-chances for all lies at the heart of the principles behind our 5-year Strategy for Children and Learners:
	Early intervention to support very young children and families to lay the foundations for later successnot just in education, but in supporting the welfare of the whole child, carrying through into better services for all children and young people;
	A continuing drive to ensure that every child leaves primary school with the basics in reading, writing and maths; and an enjoyment of learning, built through an enriched curriculum including the arts, music, sport and a foreign language;
	Creating secondary and further education which widens choice, stretches and engages the underachieving and prepares young people better for working life;
	Reducing the historic deficit in adult skills, not just by greater participation and attainment by 1619 year olds, but by addressing the needs of those in the work force to update their skills; and
	Sustaining an excellent university sector, capable of high quality teaching, world class research and increasing responsiveness to employers.
	Education has an important role to play in improving social mobility and so we must make sure that a good education is available to every child in every community. The White Paper Higher Standards, Better Schools for All marks the next phase in the Government's continuing drive towards transforming our education system by:
	tailoring education around the needs of each individual childso that no child falls behind and no child is held back from achieving their potential;
	putting parents at the centre of our thinkinggiving them greater choice and active engagement in their child's learning and how schools are run; and
	empowering schools and teachers to respond to local and parental demands, injecting dynamism and innovation into our schools.

Special Schools

Nick Gibb: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  how many and what proportion of special schools have adopted a curricular specialism;
	(2)  how many specialist schools have special educational needs specialism.

Maria Eagle: 12 specialist special schools have been designated with a special educational needs specialism, 11 of which became operational this September. The 12th will become operational in September 2006.
	30 special schools are operating as curricular specialists, representing 3.3 per cent. of maintained and non maintained special schools with secondary age pupils.

Student Finance

David Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of students who applied for (a) student loans and (b) grants from Suffolk local education authority for the 2005/06 academic year received them in time for the start of that year; and what the equivalent figures were in the 2004/05 academic year.

Bill Rammell: By 16 September 2005, Suffolk local education authority had received just over 8,800 student finance applications, of which 68 per cent. had been processed to a point at which loan and grant payments could be released on the same date in 2004, 59 per cent. of Suffolk's applications had been processed to the same stage. In both years contingency payments were made to a number of Suffolk students to ensure that funds were available to them at the beginning of term; and other local authorities provided assistance to Suffolk to help the timely processing of their applications.

Student Loans and Grants

Brian Jenkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what proportion of students who applied for (a) student loans and (b) grants from Staffordshire Local Education Authority for the 2005/06 academic year received them in time for the start of that year; and what the equivalent figures were for the 2004/05 academic year.

Bill Rammell: By 16 September 2005, Staffordshire Local Education Authority had received just over 14,200 student finance applications, of which 89 per cent. had been processed to a point at which loan and grant payments could be released. Staffordshire had also processed 89 per cent. of their applications to this stage by the same date in 2004.

Teaching Standards

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what steps are being taken by her Department to improve teaching standards;
	(2)  what steps are being taken by her Department to improve teachers' awareness of socio-economic factors and their impact upon pupil achievement;
	(3)  what training is given to teachers to improve their capacity to tackle under achievement by pupils from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Jacqui Smith: According to Ofsted, we already have the best ever generation of teachers and the quality of teaching in our schools has been transformed in our schools since 1997. Ofsted judged teaching to be good or better in 78 per cent. of secondary schools inspected in 2004/05 compared with 59 per cent. in 1996/97, and in 74 per cent. of primary schools compared with 45 per cent. in 1996/97. Our recent White Paper Higher Standards, Better Schools for All set out our plans for a new professionalism for teachers, in which career progression and financial rewards will go to those who make the biggest impact on pupil progress and those who show commitment to their own professional development and that of their colleagues. A thorough reform of all teachers' professional standards, with more stretch at every level, will set out what can be expected of teachers at each stage in their career. More effective performance developmentwhich includes performance managementwill help focus teachers on effective classroom practice and ensure that they are involved in the professional development that best meets their personal needs and the specific needs of the school and its pupils.

Teaching Standards

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by her Department to improve teachers' authority in the classroom.

Jacqui Smith: This Government are committed to reinforcing teachers' authority in the classroom. To achieve this, we have already:
	been clear that we back teachers' right to discipline pupils;
	made changes to exclusion appeal panels, including giving a stronger voice for serving and former head teachers, and making it possible to uphold an appeal without reinstating the pupil; and
	reinforced parent' responsibility for their children's behaviour.
	However, in light of the Report of the Practitioners' Group on School Behaviour and Discipline, we recognise that there are further steps we can take to improve teachers' authority in the classroom. We will:
	bring forward legislation making a teacher's right to discipline pupils clear and unambiguous, and we will consult with key stakeholders as to how we should frame this new law;
	further improve the effectiveness of the exclusion appeal panels, by ensuring that panels have to accept the judgments of head teachers and governors where it is clear that the pupil has committed the offence in question; emphasising the need for head teachers and governors to be from the same phase of education as the excluding school; and making training for clerks and chairs of panels mandatory; and
	extending parenting orders so that schools can use them to make parents take responsibility for their children's poor behaviour in school, even if an exclusion has not taken place.

Truancy

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what action is being taken by her Department to tackle truancy.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps she is taking to tackle truancy among school children.

Jacqui Smith: I refer the hon. Members to the reply given on 2 November 2005, Official Report, column 1216W to the earlier question from the Member for Romford.
	In addition to our strategy for improving attendance outlined in my previous reply, my Department has introduced a range of measures to promote parental responsibility for school attendance. These include supportive parenting contracts, compulsory parenting orders, penalty fines and prosecution. We are working with 146 secondary schools with high levels of persistent truancy, and a further 293 secondary schools with high levels of absence, to tackle persistent truancy by providing advice and effective practice. We are working with the 265 secondary schools in pathfinder partnerships to improve behaviour and tackle persistent truancy.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of parental education levels upon under-achievement (a) nationally and (b) by children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Jacqui Smith: The Department is aware that research studies show that the level of parental education is a good predictor of their children's achievement.
	The Department funds the Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning (WBL) which produced a report and developed a model of the inter-generational transmission of educational success in 2004. The WBL report concluded that
	parental education is a major influence both directly and via other channels such as income and parenting skills. However, there are many other important elements.
	These other factors include pre-school, neighbourhoods and schools which can mitigate or offset the impact of family level factors in a substantial way. Parental beliefs, values, aspirations and attitudes, as well as parental well-being, have an independent effect on pupil attainment. Parental skills in terms of warmth, discipline and education behaviours are all major factors in the formation of school success. These behaviours can be adopted by parents no matter what their background. (http://www.learningbenefits.net/Publications/ResReps/ResRep10.pdf).
	Another influential report commissioned by the Department and published in 2003 reviewed a large number of studies on the impact of parental involvement, parental support and parental education on pupil achievement. The review confirmed the importance of maternal education on child outcomes. However, the authors noted that when effects such as parental education and income were controlled the findings show that what parents do is as important as who they are:
	parental involvement in the form of 'at-home good parenting' has a significant positive effect on children's achievement and adjustment even after all other factors shaping attainment have been taken out of the equation.
	This suggests that parental involvement is particularly important for children from low socio-economic backgrounds. (http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR433.pdf)
	The Department is sponsoring further research in this area to help increase our understanding of the issues and to inform policy development.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by her Department to improve the education and skills of parents of children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Jacqui Smith: We aim to support such parents through the development of Sure Start with 3,500 children's centres planned by 2010. All centres will provide information, advice and support for parents. Those in the most disadvantaged areas will provide more intensive programmes of family support and parental outreach. These services can help parents to access the wide range of courses in further and adult education designed to help people attain the platform of employability through improving their language, literacy and numeracy skills and studying for a full level 2 qualification (equivalent to five GCSEs at A*-C). Help is also available through family learning programmes funded by the Learning and Skills Council with budgets in 2005/06 of 37 million. As part of this, extended schools can offer family learning sessions to enable children and parents to learn alongside each other. Adults from low socio-economic groups, including parents, are already eligible for a wide range of support to improve their skills, including full fee remission for those on means-tested benefits. The Government's Skills Strategy will roll out implementation of further targeted support for adults to improve their skills, including the level 2 entitlement which gives free tuition for a first full level 2 qualification.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by her Department to tackle the impact of socio-economic factors upon under-achievement.

Jacqui Smith: Improving life-chances for all lies at the heart of the principles behind our 5-year Strategy for Children and Learners:
	Early intervention to support very young children and families to lay the foundations for later successnot just in education, but in supporting the welfare of the whole child, carrying through into better services for all children and young people;
	A continuing drive to ensure that every child leaves primary school with the basics in reading, writing and maths; and an enjoyment of learning, built through an enriched curriculum including the arts, music, sport and a foreign language;
	Creating secondary and further education which widens choice, stretches and engages the underachieving and prepares young people better for working life;
	Reducing the historic deficit in adult skills, not just by greater participation and attainment by 1619 year olds, but by addressing the needs of those in the work force to update their skills; and
	Sustaining an excellent university sector, capable of high quality teaching, world class research and increasing responsiveness to employers.
	The Department remains committed to creating a system of education that allows all children to achieve, regardless of family circumstances. For example our recent White Paper Higher Standards, Better Schools for All sets out reforms to improve our school system and encourage greater personalisation, enabling all children to achieve. Curriculum reform is important too. The White Paper 1419 Education and Skills sets out how we will build a system of 1419 education to enable every child to reach their potential by providing better vocational routes; ensuring that all young people have a sound grounding in English and Maths and the skills they need for employment; and providing a stretching curriculum for all while re-engaging the disaffected.
	We continue to analyse the impact of socio-economic factors upon under-achievement. Following the publication by the Department of the paper Has the Social Class Gap Narrowed in Primary Schools in July (IPPR/2005), further analysis will be carried out over the coming months. In particular, we will look at key stages 1, 3 and 4, to the extent that data for these phases can be tracked over time on a comparable basis.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what steps are being taken by her Department to tackle social exclusion of children and young people;
	(2)  what steps are being taken by her Department to tackle deprivation among children of school age.

Jacqui Smith: Tackling poverty and exclusion is well embedded in the Department for Education and Skills policies. Through our Five Year Strategy for Children and Learners (July 2004), we are committed to giving children and families the best possible start in life, reducing the number of young people who leave school with low qualifications and providing opportunities through widening participation for the number of young adults with low and poor skills.
	DfES policies place particular emphasis on tackling child poverty and investing in high quality early years services because we know that this improves outcomes for children and that those benefits are greatest for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many of these programmes, including Sure Start local programmes, neighbourhood nurseries and the early children's centres, are concentrated in the most disadvantaged areas. By promoting children's development, supporting parents and helping build strong local communities, early years provision particularly tackles deprivation and social exclusion by benefiting vulnerable families and disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
	We recognise, though, that the life chances of children and young people are still strongly determined by their parents' background. Through the recently published Schools White Paper we aim to break completely the cycle that makes under-achievement (and not 'lack of ability') and low expectations a regular hand-me-down from parent to child.
	Well-organised, safe and stimulating activities before and after school make a real difference to children's chances at school. We have committed additional funding to support the development of extended services in schools by making approximately 160 million of funding available to local authorities since 2003 and we will be making a further 680 million available from 200608. Deprivation levels will be a factor in distributing funding.
	The 1419 White Paper sets out our priorities for those aged 1419, including new opportunities for young people to enjoy new styles of learning, in different settings and with more opportunities for practical and applied learning. Those at most risk of dropping out will get extra support, including progression. Financial support and a number of learner support funds will be available for those who need it.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what efforts are being made to (a) reduce the rate of exclusion and (b) improve the provision of alternative education when excluded to children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Jacqui Smith: The Department is putting in place a range of measures to reduce the rate of exclusion of pupils from school, including that of children from low socio-economic backgrounds. In particular, since 2002 the Department's Improving Behaviour and Attendance Programme has provided all schools with high-quality guidance and training materials on managing behaviour, backed by advice from expert teachers; and has targeted extra resources on schools facing the greatest challenges, particularly those in disadvantaged areas.
	In addition, by September 2007 we expect all secondary schools to be part of a partnership to improve behaviour and attendance. Partnerships will have funding devolved from their local authorities to enable them to commission a range of support and provision for pupils at risk of exclusion, persistent truants and excluded pupils. Evidence from existing partnerships shows that they are effective in reducing the rate of exclusion.
	Head teachers will have a direct interest in ensuring that the alternative provision available to partnerships is of good quality and is value for money, whether this is provided by a pupil referral unit or is contracted externally. We are committed to developing a more vibrant, diverse and effective alternative provision market. Over the next six months we shall be carrying out a survey of alternative provision to establish a clear picture of the provision that is available and whether it meets the needs of pupils. This information will help us to guide school partnerships, and enable them to commission and procure good quality, effective, and value for money provision that suits the needs of their pupils

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of exclusion upon educational under-achievement (a) nationally and (b) by children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Jacqui Smith: Departmental data shows that schools with higher levels of permanent exclusions tend to have lower levels of attainment and that young people who have been excluded from school also have lower levels of attainment. For example, only one in five young people who was reported as having been excluded from school in years 10 or 11, permanently or for a fixed period, achieved 5 A*-C GCSEs compared to almost three in five young people who had not been excluded. However, a direct causal link between exclusion and attainment has not been established.
	As well as having lower levels of attainment, in general schools with higher rates of permanent exclusion also tend to have higher percentages of pupils who are eligible for free school meals. However, there is a lot of variation at individual school level. Data from the Department for Work and Pensions shows that children who have been temporarily excluded from school are more likely to come from lone-parent families or from families where both parents are working less than 15 hours per week.
	In the recently published White Paper, Higher Standards, Better Schools For All, we committed to requiring schools and local authorities to provide suitable full-time education for all excluded pupils from the sixth day of their exclusion, rather than from the sixteenth day as at present. This should help to raise levels of attainment among excluded pupils.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of truancy upon under-achievement (a) nationally and (b) by children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Jacqui Smith: Analyses of national data show that there is a correlation between both authorised and unauthorised absences from school and pupils' levels of achievement. On average, pupils in schools with lower levels of absence tend to perform better at key stage 2, key stage 3 and GCSE than pupils in schools with higher levels of absence.
	Analyses of national data also show links between higher levels of pupils in receipt of free school meals and higher levels of absence. Recent research on behalf of the Department by the National Foundation for Educational Research An analysis of pupil attendance data in Excellence in Cities areas and non-EiC EAZs: final report reports that the highest levels of attainment at key stage 3 and GCSE, once all other pupil characteristics, prior attainment and school variables were taken into account, were associated with, among other things, pupils who lived in areas of relatively less deprivation compared with the cohort. On average, these pupils also tended to have fewer absences from school than other pupils in the cohort.
	The associations identified do not in themselves prove that there is a direct causal relationship between pupils' absences and their attainment. However, we believe that every pupil should attend school regularly if they are to achieve their full potential and our strategy aims to reduce the overall level of absences from school, including those due to persistent truancy.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the impact of the introduction of university top up fees upon the educational performance of children from low socio-economic backgrounds.

Bill Rammell: The new student support arrangements are designed to protect and support students from lower socio-economic groups. The new package abolishes up-front costs; makes generous provision of grants and bursaries for students from low-income families; offers extended subsidised loans; and increases the repayment threshold.
	Analysis by PwC 1 shows that, once the timing of the payments are taken account of, for many students the average net effect of these changes is to increase the financial benefits to a degree. We expect that those from lower socio-economic groups will benefit the most, being more likely to receive grants and bursaries.
	Concern about debt is a significant factor in making HE choices. However this is just one of many issues that people weigh-up in coming to their participation decision, and the new reforms should offer peace of mind by removing up-front tuition costs and only requiring repayments when earning 15,000 or more.
	Reference:
	1 PwC (2005) The economic benefits of HE qualifications, RSC and IoP.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what assessment she has made of the capacity of schools to focus upon socio-economic factors in under-achievement.

Jacqui Smith: We are providing schools with increasingly sophisticated data to help them measure the progress of their pupils. This includes being able to compare the achievement of pupils taking account of contextual factors including deprivation and prior attainment and against the achievement of similar schools in the top quartile of performance nationally. School improvement partners will help schools to interpret this data, focusing particularly on groups of pupils that are falling behind and the best ways to help them. The Primary and Secondary National Strategies and other initiatives will continue to provide schools with advice, guidance and a range of targeted support.

Under-achievement

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what steps are being taken by her Department to (a) remove under-performing teachers from schools and (b) retrain them.

Jacqui Smith: Teachers who fail to perform satisfactorily are monitored and supported by their employers, either through continuing professional development or, if necessary, in accordance with locally agreed capability procedures. Where teachers fail to improve to a satisfactory standard, they may be dismissed or moved to more suitable duties. Teachers dismissed on capability grounds are reported to the General Teaching Council which may require certain conditions of them, including retraining, to retain their registration.

Underperforming Schools

John Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills 
	(1)  what resources are available to schools to tackle under achievement;
	(2)  what steps are being taken by her Department to improve the spread of best practice to schools that are underperforming;
	(3)  what steps are being taken by her Department to improve the successful adoption of the characteristics of good schools by underperforming schools.

Jacqui Smith: The Department is working to ensure that underperforming and low attaining schools receive the resources, advice and support that they need to improve outcomes for their pupils.
	In particular, the National Strategies focus consultant support on underperforming and low attaining schools at both primary and secondary stages and produce an extensive range of good practice materials which schools can readily access. The Department also supports several programmes which enable successful schools to collaborate and share good practice with other schools including those which are underperforming. This includes Leading Edge Partnership Programme schools that are funded to work with other schools to share their best practice, and a Secondary Performance Project which draws on the expertise of successful schools and the Specialist Schools Trust to work in partnership with schools that while not below the floor target have nevertheless been underperforming in value added terms. Local Authorities are also in the process of appointing trained School Improvement Partners who will work with individual schools to help them identify and access the support their self evaluation identifies as necessary for improvement.

Veterinary School Lecturers

James Paice: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what her policy is on veterinary school lecturers receiving commercial funding.

Bill Rammell: As higher education institutions are autonomous, independent bodies they are responsible for determining their own academic and administrative affairs, including terms and conditions for their staff. The Government play no part in setting conditions of service for higher education staff, and as such, have no policy on this specific issue.

HEALTH

Abortions

Nick Harvey: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 
	(1)  how many abortions were conducted in the past 12 months in England and Wales (a) at 20 or more weeks, gestation and (b) at 12 weeks, or fewer of gestation;
	(2)  what information she collects on the number of Northern Irish women who come to England or Wales to have an abortion.

Caroline Flint: The information requested can be found in the Department's statistical bulletin 2005/11 Abortion Statistics, England and Wales: 2004, which is available on the Department's website at:
	www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/11/75/74/04117574.pdf
	Copies are also available in the Library.
	The available, provisional abortion data for January to March 2005 can be found in Health Statistics Quarterly 27 at:
	www.nationalstatistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product.asp?vlnk= 6725Pos=ColRank=1Rank=422

Assaults on NHS Workers

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many assaults have been committed against NHS workers while on duty in the Gravesham constituency in each of the last three years.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is not collected in the format requested. The NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) has policy and operational responsibility for the management of security in the national health service, including work to tackle violence against NHS staff. In November 2003, a comprehensive range of measures were introduced by NHS SMS to proactively and reactively deal with the problem of violence against NHS staff.
	Since that time, an estimated 85,000 front line NHS staff have been trained to prevent and manage violence and the number of prosecutions identified involving those who have physically assaulted staff has risen from 51 in 200203 to 759 in 200405.

Breastfeeding

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will take steps to promote breastfeeding.

Caroline Flint: The Government are committed to the promotion of breastfeeding as the best form of nutrition for infants and has a range of ongoing activities to increase support for breastfeeding. In particular, the Government are demonstrating its commitment to the promotion of breastfeeding by supporting national breastfeeding awareness week, which will be held 14 to 20 May 2006.
	Phase one of healthy start, a reform of the welfare food scheme, is expected to commence later this year and one of its aims is to increase promotion and support for breastfeeding by encouraging earlier contact with the national health service. Healthy start will also provide equal benefits for breastfeeding mothers.

Cancer

Andrew Pelling: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she will take to expedite the approval of (a) Xeloda and (b) Cetuximab by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

Jane Kennedy: I understand that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is currently consulting on its draft guidance on Xeloda for colon cancer and that final guidance is scheduled to be published in June 2006. Guidance on Cetuximab for colon cancer is scheduled for publication in November 2006.

Cancer

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what her estimate is of the number of additional scans needed each year to meet the guidance issued by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommendation that women aged between 40 and 49 years and at high risk of breast cancer be screened every year for breast cancer; what assessment she has made of whether this guidance is being implemented; and what assessment she has made of the relative effectiveness of MRI scans and mammography in detecting breast cancer in women aged between 40 and 49 years.

Jane Kennedy: The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) clinical guideline on the classification and care of women at risk of familial breast cancer estimated that an extra 21,000 scans annually would be needed to implement the guideline nationally.
	Clinical guidelines from NICE are reflected in the standards published by the Department which provide a framework for continuous improvement in the overall quality of care people receive. Clinical guidelines are covered by the developmental standards, standards which the national health service is expected to achieve over time. The Healthcare Commission has responsibility for assessing progress towards achieving these standards. Clinicians are expected to take full account of NICE guidelines because they are based on the best available evidence and have been put together after wide consultation, drawing on the views of patients and carers as well as the experts in the field.
	A multi-centre trial, magnetic resonance imaging for breast screening (MARIBS), compared regular mammographic screening and regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for women at a high familial risk of breast cancer. The study ran for five years, and was funded by the Medical Research Council and National Health Service research and development. The results of the study were published in May 2005. The NICE guideline noted that several MRI studies, including MARIBS, would be published over the next few years. When the information from these studies becomes available, the recommendations in the guideline will be reviewed by NICE.
	We are delivering an unparalleled expansion in most diagnostic services in the NHS, and there will be a 100 per cent. increase of 900,000 MRI scans between 200405 and 200708.

Children's TV (Advertising)

Ashok Kumar: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the impact on children's health of advertising of (a) fast foods and (b) sweets and snacks during children's television.

Caroline Flint: The Food Standards Agency commissioned a comprehensive study in 2003 (Hastings) into the effects of food promotion to children. The study concluded that food promotion is having an impact on children's preferences, purchase behaviour and consumption. Other studies have shown that the majority of foods advertised during children's peak viewing times are for foods high in fat, salt and sugar. The Choosing Health White Paper outlined the Government's strategy to restrict further the advertising and promotion to children of those foods high in fat, salt and sugar.

Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley PCT

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the financial position of the Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley primary care trust.

Caroline Flint: The latest available data on the financial position of primary care trusts (PCTs) is for 200405. The 200405 financial position of Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley PCT is 1.1 million deficit.

Dentistry

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in the Cotswold and Vale primary care trust area (a) operate fully within the NHS and (b) only offer NHS treatment for children.

Caroline Flint: As at 30 September 2005, there were 95 national health service dentists with a general dental services (GDS) or personal dental services (PDS) contract within Cotswold and Vale primary care trust (PCT).
	The data source is the Dental Practice Board. A dentist with a GDS or PDS contract may provide as little or as much NHS treatment as he or she chooses or has agreed with the PCT. The Dental Practice Board has no information concerning the amount of time dedicated to private or NHS work by individual dentists.
	Information about who dentists offer to treat is not collected centrally. However, an analysis of NHS patient registrations data as at 1 June 2005 show that within Cotswold and Vale PCT there were three dentists having only children registered.

Departmental Call Centres

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many call centres were run by her Department and its agencies in (a) 200304, (b) 200405 and (c) 200506 to date; and how many and what proportion of calls (i) were handled by an adviser, (ii) were received but abandoned and (iii) received an engaged tone.

Jane Kennedy: In 200304, 200405 and 200506 to date a call centre has been run by the Department but not by any of its executive agencies.
	Figures on calls answered and abandoned are not held for 2003. For 2004 and 2005, data is held on calls answered and abandoned but not calls receiving the engaged tone.
	In 2004, the Department received 114,883 calls, of which 102,196 were answered by an information adviser. 12,687 calls were abandoned once connected to a messagea rate of 11.04 per cent.
	In 2005, the Department has, to the end of October, received 97,488 calls and 93,534 were answered by an information adviser. 3,954 calls were abandoned once connected to a messagea rate of 4.05 per cent.

Health Protection Agency

David Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff are employed at each office of the Health Protection Agency.

Caroline Flint: The information requested has been placed in the Library. It gives details of staff at each location as at October 2005.

Health Services (Tooting)

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much her Department has allocated for (a) hospital services, (b) general practitioner services and (c) dental services in the constituency of Tooting in each year since 1997.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is shown in the tables.
	Funding for general practitioner services and dental services has historically, with some exceptions, been held centrally and not allocated to primary care trusts (PCTs). Funding was demand led, with payments made in response to claims submitted by general practitioners and dentists.
	Following the new general practitioner contract, the Department made primary medical services allocations to PCTs in 200405 and 200506, which will become part of PCTs' overall allocations from 200607.
	Following the new dental contract, the Department will make dental allocations to PCTs from 200607.
	The Department has made allocations to PCTs from 200304.
	The Department made separate primary medical services (PMedS) allocations to PCTs in 200405 and 200506.
	Table 1 shows the allocations made to Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth Health Authority (HA) in 199798 and 199899. The Department made allocations to HAs from 199697 for hospital and community health services (HCHS).
	
		Table 1: HCHS allocations 199798 to 199899 --  million
		
			 HA 199798 199899 
		
		
			 Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth 309.3 322.3 
		
	
	Note:
	It is not possible to separate the allocations for hospital services from the allocations for community health services.
	Table 2 shows the unified allocations made to Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth HA between 19992000 and 200203. The Department made unified allocations to HAs from 19992000 covering HCHS, prescribing and general medical services cash limited.
	
		Table 2: Unified allocations 19992000 to 200203 --  million
		
			 HA 19992000 200001 200102 200203 
		
		
			 Merton, Sutton and  Wandsworth 423.0 455.9 498.6 563.1 
		
	
	Note:
	These services cannot be separately identified. These figures are not comparable with earlier years which cover HCHS only.
	Table 3 shows the revenue allocations made to Wandsworth PCT for 200304 to 200506.
	
		Table 3: Revenue allocations 200304 to 200506 --  million
		
			 PCT 200304 200405 200506 
		
		
			 Wandsworth 275.8 303.1 332.2 
		
	
	In February 2005, the Department announced revenue resource allocations to PCTs for 200607 and 200708. Table 4 shows the revenue allocations to Wandsworth PCT for 200608.
	
		Table 4: Revenue resource allocations 200607 and 200708 --  million
		
			 PCT 200607 200708 
		
		
			 Wandsworth 388.4 420.0 
		
	
	Note:
	These include primary medical services funding and are not comparable with earlier years.
	Table 5 shows the PMedS allocations to Wandsworth PCT in 200405 and 200506.
	
		Table 5: Primary medical services allocations200405 and 200506 --  million
		
			 PCT 200405 200506 
		
		
			 Wandsworth 25.2 26.5 
		
	
	Note:
	These allocations covered the bulk of the funding for the new GP contract, with the remaining funding for quality being allocated to the NHS Bank.

Hip Replacement (Waiting Time)

David Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average waiting time for a hip replacement operation has been in (a) Southend primary care trust, (b) Essex, (c) the Metropolitan police area of London and (d) England in each year since 1997.

Liam Byrne: The main national health service data returns on inpatient waiting times, which provide a count of those waiting for admission and how long they have been waiting, are not available for hip replacement operations but are available for trauma and orthopaedics procedures more generally. Annual average waiting times for each year since 1997 have been placed in the Library. They show that average waiting times for trauma and orthopaedics have fallen from:
	15.7 weeks at the end of 200304 to 9.8 weeks at the end of 200405 in Southend primary care trust.
	22.0 weeks at the end of 199798 to 10.6 weeks at the end of 200405 in Essex strategic health authority (SHA).
	22.7 at the end of 199798 to 11.3 weeks at the end of 200405 in the London SHAs.
	18.3 weeks at the end of 199798 to 11.3 weeks at the end of 200405 in England.
	The NHS collects annual data through hospital episodes statistics (HES) on the time waited by patients who have completed their wait for a hip replacement operation. This includes periods of suspension (where the patient is medically unfit for treatment or has made themselves unavailable for treatment) and all patients treated by NHS provider organisations (whether or not they are the responsibility of NHS commissioning bodies in England). This HES data has also been placed in the Library. The data shows increases in the first part of this period followed by more recent reductions and reflects the NHS's achievements during this period in tackling backlogs of long waits for orthopaedic patients.

HIV/AIDS

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much her Department has spent on advertising and promoting awareness of HIV/AIDS in England in each of the last five years for which figures are available.

Caroline Flint: In addition to investment locally by the national health service, the totals the Department has spent on targeted HIV health promotion work, including advertising, are shown in the table.
	
		Totals spent on advertising and promotion of awareness ofHIV/AIDS: England, 200001 to 200405
		
			  Amount ( million) 
		
		
			 200405 1.710 
			 200304 1.750 
			 200203 1.950 
			 200102 1.600 
			 200001 1.640

HIV/AIDS

Vincent Cable: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many condoms have been distributed free of charge by her Department in each of the last five years for which records are available.

Caroline Flint: The information requested is not collected centrally. The Department does not distribute condoms. Primary care trusts are responsible for local sexual health and HIV health promotion including the provision of free condoms.

Infection Control

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she plans to publish her response to the consultation on action on healthcare associated infection in England.

Jane Kennedy: A summary of the consultation responses will be available on the Department's website shortly.

Influenza

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health which groups of health professionals are allowed to prescribe (a) Tamiflu and (b) other anti-viral drugs; and whether she plans to expand the prescribing rights of groups of health professionals to cover anti-virals (i) in the event of an influenza pandemic and (ii) at other times.

Jane Kennedy: Anti-virals, including Tamiflu, can be prescribed by doctors, dentists and supplementary prescribers. They can also be supplied and/or administered under a patient group direction by a wide range of health professionals including nurses, pharmacists and paramedics.
	Patients in defined at-risk groups are eligible to receive Tamiflu on national health service prescription. Private prescriptions may be issued to other patients outside the defined risk groups.
	We are exploring additional ways of making antiviral medicines available for timely patient treatment in a pandemic scenario should that be required.
	The Department is already embarked upon a general programme to expand non-medical prescribing to suitably qualified members of registered healthcare professions.

IT Projects

David Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many IT projects have been developed for her Department since 2001; and whether she has agreed to make public Gateway reviews for these projects (a) in full and (b) in part.

Jane Kennedy: The Department has undertaken 58 information technology (IT) projects since 2001. The Office of Government Commerce has released part of one Gateway review report on the National Programme for IT. The Department has released part of one of the Gateway review reports related to the national health service e-recruitment project.

MRSA

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients have contracted MRSA at hospitals in (a) Romford, (b) Essex and (c) London in 2005.

Jane Kennedy: The information requested is not available in the format requested, but the number of cases of meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus blood stream infections reported from April 2004 to March 2005 in Essex, London and the Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals National Health Service Trust, which covers Romford, is shown in the table.
	
		
			 Strategic health authority (SHA) 200405 
		
		
			 Essex 183 
			 London SHAs(33) 1373 
			 Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust 98 
		
	
	(33) There are five SHAs in London. The figure covers all of them.
	Source:
	Health Protection Agency.

NIHCE

Adam Holloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when she expects to make a decision on the proposals for changes to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence topic selection process.

Jane Kennedy: The process of selecting topics for the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is reviewed from time to time and we are currently considering the scope for further improvements.

Sterile Services

Mark Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will publish the findings of the Pathfinder initiative on sterile services.

Jane Kennedy: holding answer 20 October 2005
	The Pathfinder project will deliver improved decontamination services to the Bradford Teaching Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust. An evaluation report will be published after the project is complete.

Road Accidents

Stephen Hepburn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have died in road accidents in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the north east and (d) England in each year since 1997.

Stephen Ladyman: I have been asked to reply.
	The number of people who have died in road accidents in (a) the Jarrow constituency, (b) the district of South Tyneside, (c) the north east Government office region and (d) England in each year since 1997 are given in the table.
	
		
			  Parliamentary constituency Local authority (district) Government office region Country 
			 Year of accident Jarrow(34) South Tyneside North east England 
		
		
			 1997 0 2 135 3,001 
			 1998 1 2 121 2,834 
			 1999 6 6 126 2,922 
			 2000 1 3 93 2,915 
			 2001 1 1 102 2,916 
			 2002 2 3 126 2,980 
			 2003 3 7 132 3,004 
			 2004 3 5 128 2,714 
		
	
	(34) Based on 2004 boundaries

Waiting Times

Andrew Lansley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will instruct the Health Protection Agency to carry out an audit of waiting times for genito-urinary medicines services.

Caroline Flint: The Department commissioned the Health Protection Agency in 2004 to undertake a bi-annual, and now quarterly, audit of waiting times in genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics. The latest data, from a survey undertaken in May 2005, show that 45 per cent. of patients are seen within 48 hours at GUM clinics. Primary care trusts and strategic health authorities have already developed plans on how they will meet the target of 48-hour access through the local delivery planning process. To support this, the Department is investing an additional 130 million for GUM services and infrastructure in 200607 and 200708 to enable clinics to expand their services and reduce waiting times. An additional 15 million capital funding has also been recently allocated.